Watching soccer games at work? Why not?

World Cup fever has gripped the city, from traditional markets to private and government offices. Most people enjoy the sports and even bet for fun, but some complain as it can affect the working spirit and interfere with anything actually ever getting done.

Ferry, a middle-ranking official at the city administration:

"The World Cup does not disturb my work. I can still watch TV in front of my desk while doing my duties. Those in other divisions also do it.

I also watch the games in the evening at home but I skip the games which are aired at night. They do not really attract me since we already know the results.

It's different with the World Cup four years ago when many of the games were aired live at night. Sometimes, we got sleepy in the morning.

Some of my staff were betting between Rp 5,000 and Rp 10,000, during the games, I could not forbid them. I do not bet. My favorite team is England and favorite player Michael Owen.

I have to watch the games from a smaller TV in my bedroom since my wife and children watch other TV programs in the living room. They don't like soccer."

Siahaan, an employee at the city administration:

"It's the World Cup time. I think it's okay if our work is a little bit disturbed. I think the Governor who is also the chairman of Persija Jakarta soccer team also watches the games since he is also a soccer fan.

In the afternoon, I watch the games together with my friends. It's really fun. I bet with my friends. Sometimes I lose, sometimes I win.

It's not gambling, just for fun. The bet is between Rp 10,000 and Rp 20,000. I'm soccer mad. My favorite team is Argentina and favorite player is Gabriel Batistuta."

Ita, a personnel manager at a factory in Tangerang:

"This World Cup effects our daily duties a bit. One of my male staff brought a small TV and watched the games at his desk, attracting other male staff from my division and other divisions to join watching the TV.

I once warned them not to watch the games, asking them to keep the TV at the warehouse if they could not finish their work, and disturb the others from doing their jobs. I ordered them to be quiet while watching the games.

I would probably get in trouble if my boss knew that I let my subordinates and other employees watch television in my department.

But the problem is not only on watching the games. The working spirit of my staff fluctuates during the World Cup. Their spirit was weakened when they lost their bet and boosted when they won it. It's a bit of a crazy time."

Joko, a private employee in Sunter, North Jakarta:

"Since I'm in the marketing division, I often watch the World Cup games outside my office, such as in restaurants after having lunch. It's a blessing for me. In the office, I'm reluctant to watch TV, especially, when my boss is still there.

I also bet with my friends during the World Cup. It's just small, between Rp 10,000 and Rp 20,000, and only for fun. Sometimes I win, sometimes lose.

In the evening and at night, I watch the games in my rented house.

I really enjoy watching the games together with my friends, my roommates. We usually buy snacks and drink coffee while watching the games."