JAKARTA (25 Jan 2013) – Recently appointed Indonesian Minister for Youth and Sports Roy Suryo is planning to meet up with Arifin Panigoro and Nirwan Bakrie – the two personalities regarded to be the key to unlocking the dilemma that is facing Indonesian football.
Arifin is backing the Indonesia Premier League (IPL) which is sanctioned by the FA of Indonesia while Nirwan is with the unofficial Indonesia Super League (ISL).
“I am assisting the president (Susilo Bambang Yudyhono) and since the president is given the mandate by the people, it is best that I go and see them (Arifin and Nirwan) instead of asking them to see me at my office,” said Roy.
“I don’t know when I will see them, but I will have to do so as it is all part of the overall strategy (to solve the problems).”
In the meantime, the Indonesia national side fell to a 3-2 loss to Semen Padang in their second friendly this week at the Stadion Baharoeddin Siregar Lubukpakam.
After holding another IPL side Pro Duta to a scoreless draw, there was no way back for the Indonesian side led by Nil Maizar in spite of a late second half rally.
Titus Bonai (pix) put the IPL champions in front in the 7th minute before Edward Wilson Junior added the second goal in the 42nd minute and then a third off Edu in the 78th minute.
The goals for Indonesia were scored by Vendry Mofu in the 46th minute and then Mario Aibekop right at the death.
Indonesia are preparing for the qualifying round of the AFC Asian Cup 2015 next month.
