World Cup likely to bring lull in political tension
World Cup likely to bring lull in political tension
JAKARTA (JP): Not only does the World Cup, which kicks off
today, promise hectic competition, but a respite to the country's
looming political and economic tension.
Minister of Defense and Security/Armed Forces Chief Gen.
Wiranto was quick yesterday to use the momentum of the sporting
fiesta to call on a lay-off to any movement that could lead to
mass deployment.
"Wish you enjoy the matches and let's take a break from the
frenzied, energy-sapping campaign for sweeping reform," Wiranto
was quoted by general secretary of the Ministry of Defense and
Security Lt. Gen. Suyono in a World Cup get-together with
diplomatic circle.
"World Cup should give us delight and consolation amid
adversities," said Wiranto.
The country has seen major political reform spearheaded by
students peak in the resignation of Soeharto as the republic's
president after 32 years in power. Yet political tension remained
unsettled.
Suyono said he and Wiranto, who chairs the Indonesian Contract
Bridge Association and the Indonesian Karate Association,
expected to watch as many matches as possible on television.
"All we need is good physical fitness to stay up late,
watching World Cup matches, whereas we still have to keep our
mind fresh to talk about reform," Suyono said.
Most matches will start at 10.30 p.m. and 2 a.m. West
Indonesia Time.
Chile's Charges d'Affairs Diego Velasco, who spoke in fluent
Indonesia, shared Suyono's view.
Chile, a country smaller than Indonesia was once struck by the
similar economic and politic crisis but on its way to recovery,
soccer still became beloved sport, Velasco said.
"First soccer then politics, give soccer 20 hours a day and
politics will recover," said the diplomat who married a Javanese.
In line with Velasco was the France's Cultural Counselor
Phillipe Martel who was amazed by the spirit and enthusiasm
across the country to welcome the World Cup despite the crisis.
He lamented that most of the matches are broadcast early
morning or late at night in Indonesia.
"I'm afraid Indonesia's soccer fans will not get proper rest
and the condition will influence their working rhythm," Martel
said through his interpreter.
The French Embassy earlier wished to hold a special event to
mark the soccer tournament, Martel said.
"But we don't think what we will do is comparable to what have
been done by all TV channels and newspapers," he said.
Ambassadors who attended the party wished the World Cup a
success and all teams would perform their best.
Then each of them began to hail their own national teams.
The South Africa Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador
B.S. Kubheka proudly claimed to be fanatic supporter of the South
African 'bafana-bafana (the boys).
"It's the first time that South Africa gets honor to play in
the World Cup, what else can we expect, survive the first round
and win ticket for the second round is a bonus," he said.
Croatian Ambassador Zeljko Kirincic said his national team,
another World Cup first-timer, was well-prepared and could hope
to finish first in Group H, where it meets Argentina, Jamaica and
Japan.
"I've talked to Argentine Ambassador. We agree that on paper
Argentina is tougher but we must be better on the field,"
Kirincic said.
At least 11 ambassadors and Governor Sutiyoso attended the
World Cup'98 welcome party organized by noted soccer commentator
Eddy Sofyan and associates at the Hilton's executive club
yesterday.
Eddy said the party was a routine to welcome the World Cup and
some ambassadors were always invited.
"I do agree with Pak Wiranto and ambassadors who are here,
let's watch World Cup and maintain our cool. I'm in support of
movement for reform," Eddy said. (emf)