Yustika to clarify controversial television quiz
JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Social Services Yustika S. Baharsyah is set to clarify details on the Analisa Olahraga (Sports Analysis) television quiz phenomena.
Ministry of Social Services spokesman Eddy Pudjobasuki said on Monday Yustika would stage an internal meeting with her secretary-general, director general, inspector general and other expert staff.
"Ibu Yustika will answer all your questions on the quiz tomorrow (Tuesday) at 10 a.m.," he said.
Suara Pembaruan daily reported on Monday the quiz operator had collected Rp 22 billion (US$2.56 million) from sales in several provinces. It claimed the money would be used to help casualties of the crisis.
The daily said a customer must buy products -- either pens, pencils or postcards -- from operator PT Lintas Artha Raya (LAR) for about Rp 3,000 before receiving two coupons. Both coupons contained sports questions.
If the customer could answer four questions correctly, Rp 6 million could be won. Three correct answers would garner Rp 750,000, while two correctly answered questions would bring in Rp 150,000.
On Sunday, State Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Agung Laksono requested contribution figures from PT LAR to the sports community.
"Although the quiz uses the name "Analisa Olahraga" we don't receive any contributions. I think the Ministry of Social Services should hold discussions with my office to decide (on the contribution amount)."
Agung regretted the Ministry of Social Services' decision to issue a permit to PT LAR to raise money from the quiz, saying his office and the ministry should have discussed the matter earlier.
"If it only benefits the society, I don't mind. But please don't use the word "sports" because people are asking me whether my office received money from the quiz operator."
He denied his office was involved in the quiz.
Agung expressed hope PT LAR would contribute to sports development, specially for sending athletes to the 20th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Brunei Darussalam in August.
He also said he had ordered his assistants Amrum Bustaman and Wirawan to investigate the case.
Pembaruan reported the Indonesian Council of Ulemas (MUI) canceled its recommendation on the quiz proceedings, saying the venture included gambling.
PT LAR spokesman Eddy Soegeng P, said his company would discuss the problem with the ministry and MUI.
"In principal, we are eager to receive suggestions including ones to help the sports community," he said.
Separately, National Sports Council chairman Wismoyo Arismunandar said he had not received reports on quiz irregularities.
"I have not heard about the quiz. How can I answer your questions if I am unaware of the details? If it concerns sport, (the organizer should have reported to us because) we supervise all national sports events," he said. (ivy/yan)