IF Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso wanted to punish Persija, the capital citys football club, he could have chosen a different way. Perhaps he could have reduced the subsidy allotted to Persija, which this year failed to reach the quarterfinals of the Indonesian Djarum League competition. But Sutiyoso cannot just demolish Menteng Stadium, which has long been the home of the club that defends Jakartas reputation.

The demolition of the stadium, which was