Yustika to clarify controversial television quiz
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)