Soccer-loving public urged to manage time well during World Cup
9/6/2006 15:16
Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, who also plans to join the
millions watching the World Cup, wants the public to enjoy the month-long soccer
revelry without letting their job responsibilities slip, the Jakarta Post said
today.
He urged the public to maintain their physical well-being and uphold
professionalism by keeping to their regular work hours, directing his comments
particularly at civil servants.
Presidential spokesman Andi Mallarangeng said
in Jakarta on Thursday that Susilo, after meeting with State Minister of Youth
and Sports Affairs Adhyaksa Dault, said he planned to watch one of the games
with several athletes at the State Palace.
"The President is following the
World Cup. We're planning to watch the match together with athletes on a
weekend. We're still trying to decide the time," he said, referring to watching
the games in large groups, locally known as nonton bareng.
Susilo said the
public, especially civil servants, should learn to juggle their World Cup
viewing with their work schedule.
"The President said civil servants and
private company employees may enjoy watching the games but to always remember
that they should still work as usual," said Andi, who is a confirmed Brazil
fan.
The six-hour time difference with Germany will force soccer fans here to
burn the midnight oil to watch the matches, with the earliest start of 08:00
p.m.
But Andi said it would be unnecessary to formally sanction undisciplined
civil servants.
"We believe the civil servants are professional. This isn't
the first time we have enjoyed the World Cup matches, so I'm sure they can
manage their time well," he said.
"Whether there is World Cup fever or not,
there are already sanctions for undisciplined civil servants. Just work it out
with time management," he added.
Xinhua
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