Soccer league to go on amid political tension
JAKARTA (JP): The Soccer Association of Indonesia (PSSI) chairman Agum Gumelar has assured that the Bank Mandiri soccer league will be held despite the heated political climate.
Agum, who is also the coordinating minister for political, social and security affairs, said tension was likely to occur in certain areas such as the capital and Surabaya but would not spread to other provinces.
Indonesia is bracing for a fiery political conclusion to the troubled 20-month presidency of Abdurrahman Wahid when the People's Consultative Assembly convenes for a special session on Aug. 1.
"I'm sure that the mass flurry will not be the same in all provinces. The special session will be held in Jakarta and the situation here may not be conducive for a soccer match. However, matches in Medan, North Sumatra, should continue because the city will not be directly affected by the political activity here," he told reporters on Monday after opening a meeting to discuss the league's rescheduling.
Police in six cities -- Jakarta, Surabaya, Bandung, Malang, Surakarta and Sleman -- have refused to issue match permits for fear of spectator violence, resulting in the cancellation of 11 matches since May 30.
"Clubs shouldn't continue playing if they are forbidden by local police because they will be charged with violating the law," Agum said.
The second qualifying round in the western and eastern division, starting early in May, must be concluded by late July.
"I want four qualifiers each from the western and eastern divisions to emerge by the end of July as we will stage the top eight after the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games," he said.
The SEA Games are scheduled for Sept. 8 to Sept. 17 in Kuala Lumpur. The soccer qualifying round precede the opening ceremony.
Agum also called on soccer fans to behave when attending matches.
"I call on soccer fans across the country to avoid any action which would prompt security officials to delay the issuance of a match permit. I know that supporters are really fanatics where their team are concerned but I hope they won't create disorder."
PSSI official in charge of competition and tournament Iswadi Idris said that the delayed matches of the second qualifiers would be included in the schedule. He said PSSI would reschedule the matches for after June 17.
"If the delayed matches are added after the end of the second qualifying round, it would create suspicion of foul play."
The former national player estimated that the qualifying round would last until mid-August instead of mid-July as requested by Agum.
The rescheduling, however, would cost clubs more.
"It's clear that there will be an additional budget. We spend up to Rp 200 million (US$18,000) a month during the league, now we have to increase our expenses," said Karwoto, the assistant manager for Surabaya's Persebaya club. (ivy)