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Security ramped up ahead of AFF final
Race against time: Workers repair the soccer field at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta on Monday
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span class="inline inline-left">Race against time: Workers repair the soccer field at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta on Monday. Organizers are working around the clock to prepare the pitch for Wednesday’s AFF Suzuki Cup second-leg final between Indonesia and Malaysia. The field was damaged after hundreds of fans stormed the stadium to purchase match tickets. JP/J. Adiguna As Indonesia’s chance to win the 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup look bleak, authorities in the capital are stepping up security measures ahead of the second leg of the final against Malaysia at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium.
The Jakarta Police will deploy 9,000 officers to provide security for the match on Wednesday, tripling the number of officers dispatched for the semifinal matches at the stadium.
Jakarta Police chief Insp. Gen. Sutarman said Monday that officers would be deployed in three designated areas inside and outside the stadium. He added that roads around the stadium would be closed and areas in the stadium’s vicinity would be secured before the match.
Police said the stepped up security measures were made after hundreds of angry soccer fans broke into the stadium on Sunday after failing to get match tickets following poorly organized sales by the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI).
Rampaging fans vandalized the box office, venting their anger from having to wait for hours to get tickets for Wednesday’s match. Security threats could be compounded by Indonesia’s slim chance of winning the tournament.
Central Jakarta Police chief Sr. Comr. Hamidin said police in Jakarta were on heightened alert.
“We are prepared for possible fan violence should Indonesia lose,” Hamidin was quoted as saying by news portal tempointeraktif.com.
He said the Jakarta Police would announce more security details including alternative routes for diverted traffic.
Jakarta Governor Fauzi Bowo called on soccer fans not to all flock to Gelora Bung Karno on
Wednesday.
“Those without tickets should stay away from the stadium. Please watch the match from somewhere else,” he said.
The governor also called on businesses, including shopping malls, train stations and bus terminals, to set up large screens for people who wanted to watch the match.
Fauzi said the plan could help stop crowds from gathering at the stadium.
Malaysia thrashed Indonesia 3-0 in the first leg of the final at the Bukit Jalil Stadium in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Sunday. Indonesia has not played in an away match during this year’s competition.
Malaysia’s win, however, was not without protests from players, officials and Indonesian fans, who claimed that some Malaysian fans shone lasers at the Indonesian players.
In the second half of the match, Indonesia’s concentration fell to pieces after they claimed Malaysian supporters shone lasers directly into players’ faces, including captain Firman Utina in several corner kicks and Markus in goal.
The game was temporarily halted in the 54th minute as Markus refused to stay in his net following the claimed interference.
Responding to the alleged laser incident, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono ordered Youth and Sports Minister Andi Alfian Mallarangeng to file an official complaint to the Malaysian organizers.
Indonesia needs a 4-0 victory to win the tournament. If Indonesia only manages a 3-0 win on Wednesday, the final will be decided by a penalty shootout.
