Soeharto gives Surabaya green light for PON XV

Soeharto gives Surabaya green light for PON XV

JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto has agreed to let East Java
capital of Surabaya host the 15th National Games (PON) in 2000.

"The East Java community have welcomed Surabaya's approval to
stage the 15th National Games in 2000. But it is expected
Surabaya will have a new stadium," East Java governor, Basofi
Sudirman, said after meeting Soeharto yesterday.

Basofi was accompanied by Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs
Hayono Isman and organizers of the world car rally and Formula 1
race Bob Nasution and Tinton Suprapto, respectively.

Basofi said Soeharto had been concerned about East Java
hosting the Games, adding the East Java community and regional
government should not be forced to hold the national event.

"Although there is still a long way to go, we have already
started preparations," Basofi said as quoted by Antara.

Basofi said the new stadium would be constructed above a 40
hectare plot of land between Surabaya and Gresik. The stadium
will accommodate 60,000 seats and is expected to be completed by
December 1999.

"The old 10 Nopember stadium could not be used as it could
only accommodate 50,000 seats," Basofi said.

Meanwhile, Nasution said the President had confirmed his
attendance at the opening of the Grand Prix 500 in Sentul, West
Java on Sept. 28. The World Champion Rally in Medan will be
opened by Vice President Try Soetrisno. (lnt)