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)