Soccer commentary

Life teaches me that people's behavior always has a meaning. When the reason behind the behavior is not clear, I resort to Latin wisdom and ask "Cui prodest?" (to whom is it useful?).

I am referring to the new European soccer season. As far as I can see, all Indonesian networks will continue to broadcast soccer matches with English commentary.

Cui prodest? For sure not the audience. I'm more than sure that only 10 percent of television viewers are able to understand what the English commentator says.

Indonesian soccer matches usually have very good commentary. Why not announce European matches in Indonesian? Isn't it more logical to cater to 90 percent of the audience?

Foreigners (including myself) would have two choices: 1) Learn Bahasa Indonesia following President Soeharto's suggestion (The Jakarta Post, Aug. 29, 1995); 2) Just watch the screen and enjoy the match. After all, when watching at a stadium we don't have someone behind us telling us what is going on, do we?

PIERO RONCI

Jakarta