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Malaysian Studies Magazine - Stadium Merdeka

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Page 1: Malaysian Studies Magazine - Stadium Merdeka

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STADIUM ofINDEPENDENCE.

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AHMAD ASHRAFCHONG WEN BIN

KARIM MURZAMURATOVKIMBERLY ANN AUSSIE

LIM YANG KANGTEO KUO CHIEN

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History of buildingSTADIUM MERDEKA

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Significance to government & Malaysia

STADIUM & GOVERNMENT

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Group TravelogueSTADIUM & GROUP

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Individual journal reflectionPERSONAL JOURNAL

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Building HistorySejarah Bangunan建筑历史கட்டிடம் வரலாறு

Stadium Merdeka

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Size: 40,387 square metres

Cost: US$ 1,625

Responsible Party : Ahmad Sarji bin Abdul Hamid, Laurence Loh, Ibrahim bin Awang, Tun Mutalib bin Tun Hassan, Elizabeth Cardosa, Permodalan Nasional Berhad, PNB Merdeka Ventures Sdn Bhd, The Merdeka Heritage Trust, Badan Warisan Malaysia.

Heritage Architect : Arkitek LLA, Badan Warisan Heritage Services, Nordin Kidam & Hadi, Ju-rutera Budiman

Contractor : Koridor Padu

Date of Completion : August 2007

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Stanley Edward Jewkes (S. E. Jewkes)1913 - 2011

Jewkes was an American architect as well as an engineer. He was a key figure in Southeast Asian post-independence archi-tecture. His close relationship with Malaysia’s then Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman led to his getting several prominent archi-tectural commission in Malaysia including for Stadium Merdeka and Stadium Negara. He practiced in Malaysia from 1941 until 1962. He then continued to work in the United States for a mul-ti-national architectural and engineering practice.

Architect Profile

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Stadium Merdeka is an excellent example of the Modern era in architecture. Following precedents in Europe and in North and South America, the building’s vocabulary provided a fresh image for the new nation of Malaya. Architect Stanley E. Jewkes was a staunch advocate of the ideas of Swiss architect Charles Edouard Jeanerette, best known as Le Corbusier, creating a building bereft of traditional architectural symbolism and celebrating the new technology of reinforced concrete (ferroconcrete). With its deeply cantilevered balconies and dramatic curving roofline, the sta-dium also reflected the visionary buildings of Erich Mendelsohn and Bruno Taut, both of whom understood the plastic qualities inherent in the new industrial materials and introduced these on a heroic scale. At the time the stadium was constructed, the cantilevered concrete shell roof (figure1), one of the most significant features of the building, was the largest, dual-direction cantilevered structure in Southeast Asia.

In the years after its completion, the stadium gradually succumbed to often ill-advised efforts at modernization. The seating capacity of the stadium was increased in early 1986 with the addition of upper tiers rising into the airspace on the north, east and south terraces. Further changes were made for the 1989 XV SEA Games, when the grand-stand was changed and the game’s torch platform was built, were involved a set of grand steps leading up to the torch. The stadium’s owners, trying to stay up with the times, enclosed sections of seating (figure2), replaced the original seats with plastic seats and metal fittings and slowly removed many of the original finishes and details of the old stadium. Lobby and concession areas were also modified as vendors gradually added new layers of decoration and advertising.

By the late 1990s, falling increasingly into disrepair and facing competition from other stadium venues, Stadium Merdeka’s future became less tenable. What had once been the pride of the nation and a vibrant sporting arena, had become a forgotten and deserted place. The economic crisis of 1997 compounded the issues affecting the stadi-um’s viability as the then owners could not service the venue’s bank loans. The stadium and its land were slated for eventually put up for auction in 2000.

Some in the community saw the stadium’s potential and recognized its special heritage value. Forming a govern-ment-led equity trust company chaired by the President of Badan Warisan Malaysia (BWM), which functions as the national heritage trust, the stadium’s supporters initiated an ambitious effort to save the structure. In 2000, the Chairman of Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB), Tan Sri Ahmad Sarji, brokered the purchase of the site with the specific aim of saving the stadium from destruction. As plans emerged for its renovation, PNB continued to operate the venue, hosting concerts and other large-scale events.

Figure 2curving roofline

Figure 2enclosed sections seating

Figure 1the cantilevered concrete shell roof

Stadium Merdeka 默迪卡体育馆1957 - present

Building History

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2Significance to Government & MalaysiaKepentingan kepada kerajaan dan Malaysia对政府与马来西亚的重要性அரசாங்கத்திற்கு முக்கியத்துவம்& மலேசியா

understanding how significant of Stadium Merdeka to government and Malaysia.

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“This is the first modern building of the new na-tion of Malaya, and stands as a testimony to our nationhood. The restoration of the Stadium Merdeka has reinstated its status as a symbol of Malaysia’s multi-cultural society promoting cultural integra-tion through sports, recreation, education and na-tionhood.”

- unesco (2008)

The Stadium of Independence, or Stadium Merdeka as it is more commonly known, has special significance as the site of the formal declaration of independence of the Federation of Malaya on 31 August 1957. Purpose-built for the independence declaration event, the stadium embodies a singular moment in Malaysian history; when Tunku Abdul Rahman, the first prime minister of the Federation of Malaya, shouted “merdeka” (independence) seven times from the middle of the field.

Stadium Merdeka is a Modernist landmark. The stadium served as the principal venue in Kua-la Lumpur for celebrations and sporting events until 1993 when a new stadium, meeting more contemporary expectations, was built. During the 1990s, the owner allowed Stadium Merdeka to fall into a poor state of repair, leaving many with the impression that the stadium was unworthy of protection. Before the site deteriorated completely, however, several individuals, working in cooperation with the Malaysian government, stepped in to save the building.

The restoration of Stadium Merdeka in 2007 coincided with the 50th anniversary of Malaysia’s declaration of independence. Since its restoration and refurbishment, the stadium has reclaimed its status as a symbol of Malaysia’s independent and multicultural society, promoting cultur-al integration through sports, recreation, education and nationhood. Substantial work on the building and its grounds since that time have further enhanced the stadium and brought it more fully into the twenty-first century.

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Independent day

31 August 1957

when Tunku Abdul Rahman, the first prime minister of the Federation of Malaya, shouted “merdeka” (independ-ence) seven times from the middle of the field.

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03Group’s travelogue

We have already briefed to meet up in the campus before we departing to Stadium Merdeka on the 29th of April. Yang Kang, one of our group members volunteered to provide transport to drive all of us to Stadium Merdeka. Everyone showed up on time, and we departed on schedule.

It took about 30 minutes to get to our destination. During the journey, we had positive inter-active among the group. We talked a lot due to our group has an international student, and some people are not doing the same course. We talked about the history of Stadium Merdeka and what had happened in the past. Most of the people in this group had never visited Stadi-um Merdeka, so it was a great opportunity for most people to explore the site, and get better understanding about its culture and history.

We did spend some times to find the Stadium as they were doing a massive construction work just right in front of the stadium. It was covered up by the construction work and we were not being able to see the Stadium, and we thought we went to the wrong place. After spend-ing some times to drive around, we decided to ask one of the construction workers on the road side, and he was nice and guiding us politely the direction of the stadium. The construc-tion worker was very helpful and we managed to find the stadium.

As we already know that Stadium Merdeka was a significant place of the formal declaration of independence of the Federation of Malaya on 31 August 1957, we were impressed by how the government conserve the heritage building. Most importantly, the information boards in the stadium was very informative, all the boards were well presented with 2 languages, which is Malay and English. For some of the group member who does not good in Malay or non-Ma-laysian, it was very handy. Overall, the boards are user friendly with clear photo and indication provided.

We spent about 1 hours to explore the stadium. We sat on the audience seat, standing at the higher point of the stadium to see the panoramic view of the entire stadium and KL skyline, running on the field in the middle of the stadium, visiting the VIP room and a mini coffee bar which just beside the VIP room. We took numbers of amazing photo, we carried out some conversation like how the basketball players entering the field with honor and applause and how the feeling of winning a game. It was fun to have this kind of interaction among group members and understand their perspectives to see this whole thing.

After taking a group photo, we decided to leave the stadium and heading back to campus. It took another 30 minutes to get back campus. To sum up, It was fantastic and overwhelmed throughout the journey.

29/04

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Individual Journal ReflectionJurnal renungan persendirian个人感想

STADIUMMERDEKA

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CHONGWEN BIN

0327442

INDIVIDUAL JOURNAL

During the visit, we carried out some conversation regarding to how this building being built and what had happened in the past. It has significance as the site of the formal declaration of independence of the Federation of Malaya on 31 August 1957. This is an important day for all the Malaysians to remember, regarding to the culture and history, and how we develop and shape today’s Malaysia. and shape today’s Malaysia.

After visiting one of the significant historical building in Malaysia, Stadium Merdeka with my fellow group mates, I was impressed by the design of the stadium. It was the first modern building of the new nation back in 1950s, and the stadium is well-maintained. Undoubtedly, Stadium Merdeka received the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award for excellent for heritage conservation owing to its cultural excellent for heritage conservation owing to its cultural significance and embodiment of a unique independence declaration event. From this point, we learnt how important is we as the children of Malaysia, conserving and protecting our heritage buildings in order to remain the original appearance, shining in the heart of Kuala Lumpur or any other states in Malaysia.

When our Malaysian Studies’ lecturer provides a list of historical buildings for this site visit, we made a quick decision to choose Stadium Merdeka. It was not difficult to tell that we were truly amazed by the aspects of historical and cultural, but also how it being conserved by the government. Heritage conservation is not only government’s job, we as a nation’s citizen, we are responsible to conserve the a nation’s citizen, we are responsible to conserve the building with passion and loves as well.

Besides the terrific historical building, fortunately we have such a wonderful group mates who showed up on the site on time, fully prepared with their research findings. I did learn from other group mates in terms of the time management and research skills. Some people util ized the sources from the campus library, and some did their research on the internet or interview their friends and family. All group members are very cooperative and responsible on their tasks. We helped each other in terms of research and responsible on their tasks. We helped each other in terms of research and ensure everyone was on the right track. We did spend some times to brief the group before departing to the site via social media, making sure everyone was understood their tasks.

To sum up, we did spend a quality time with the group and visit a fascinating historical building. I wish I could have another opportunity by chance to visit Stadium Merdeka again, recall the memories of the golden age of Malaysia.

As an architecture student, we always encouraged by the professors to explore the world as much as we can, and use the ‘eyes of architect’ to see the architecture in different perspectives. Stadium Merdeka was designed by an American architect. He was a key figure in Southeast Asian post-independence architecture. Modern architecture in Malaysia did not have huge impact or influences at that time. When the stadium was built, it brought the capital to the modern era, a contrast between old was built, it brought the capital to the modern era, a contrast between old and new architecture styles and designs were emerging in Malaysia. I also impressed by the used of materials. It was simple yet elegant.

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KIMBERLYANN

AUSSIE0325881

INDIVIDUAL JOURNAL

Walking into the stadium, the post-modernist architecture accompanied by the lonely hallways of the buildings gave a sense of reminiscence that I never had. The infographic boards hung on the walls of the lobby reminds us of our historical roots before entering the main highlight of the stadium. One can’t help but wonder what it was like back in days of 1957, reliving the moment when our founding in days of 1957, reliving the moment when our founding father declared independence, shouting “merdeka!” from the middle of the field.

Being in a group of five where most of us aren’t locals to the state, this project allowed us to explore and learn a litt le more about our country by studying a historical building and its significance to the government and Malaysia. As a group, we made the cIhoice to visit Stadium Merdeka, located in the capital city of Kuala Lumpur. capital city of Kuala Lumpur.

Prior to the visit, research on Stadium Merdeka was carried out as a group to help give us a clear insight on how the building functioned and its significance as it was designed and built in purpose of the declaration of independence in 1957. It is noted that the building was restored and conserved, embracing the original elements that was once embracing the original elements that was once lost to the city of Kuala Lumpur.

Having it being my first time to the stadium, there was no doubt that I had preconceptions of what the building would look like. However, it was nothing like I’d imagined. Something that I did not realise was the effects of it being located in the heart of the city. Under the blazing sun, you’d notice multiple ongoing projects and skyscrapers surrounding the stadium, ongoing projects and skyscrapers surrounding the stadium, almost concealing the national heritage of the city. Taking in this whole new experience, it was then when I realised the importance of conserving and protecting the national heritage.If it weren’t for conservatism of the government, the site would have deteriorated as well as the many stories told through the 60 years that have passed by just another skyscraper.

Of course none of this would be possible without my dear group mates and our tutor Ms. Norshahila, for giving us the chance to work together as well as a greater appreciation for all heritage buildings and the stories they tell. As group members, we made sure everyone was on the same track and lent a helping hand as needed. It was a pleasant memory and experience throughout this project and there would be a second visit, given the chance to visit Stadium Merdeka again.there would be a second visit, given the chance to visit Stadium Merdeka again.

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LIMYANG KANG

0320538

INDIVIDUAL JOURNAL

The Stadium of independence, or Stadium Merdeka as it is more commonly known, has special significant as the site of the formal declaration of independence of the federation of Malaya on 31 August 1957. The first feeling i sense from the site visit was about how grand it was when the first national day was held during that day. Standing in the stadium as a Malaysian for the first time makes me imagine how the situation Malaysian for the first time makes me imagine how the situation was by then with the memories of pictures projecting in mind. And i felt honour to be in the stadium too with all the scene and incident we made, it was really a great place to visit as an Malaysian.

As a reflection of our site visit to Stadium Merdeka, i think it was a great visit to the stadium because it reminds me of how proud to be call Malaysian. Although Malaysia’s independence day was way before I was born, standing in the stadium stil l makes me felt that I was at that moment where the first prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, voicing out loud in the stadium Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, voicing out loud in the stadium “Merdeka” seven times, which it was really proud and a gorgeous moment of Malaysia.

It was a case study project that brought us there from the Malaysian Studies module in Taylor’s University. We were to choose from a list of building in Malaysia provided from our lecturer. As a group, the first and only option was Stadium Merdeka in everyone’s opinion, so decision was made fast in the class at that time. We were excited about the Stadium Merdeka and looking forward to visit it soon after researches Merdeka and looking forward to visit it soon after researches are done after several weeks.

Malaysia history is very rich in culture and our ancestor spent years to build our culture. As an architecture student, throughout all the semesters that i already went through. I realised that Malaysia Architecture is stil l f inding it identity. Young generation play an important role to take care of our culture and history as it help to shine our culture to the world and also for the next generation.

As from the point of view of structurer wise, it is stil l well maintained until today and it has been listed as one of the very unique heritage site of Malaysia. The Stadium itself created huge amount of big days in history, as a remarkable incident beside independence day was the world tour concert from Micheal Jackson, and another memorable history was the magnificent fight between Mohammad Ali and Joe Bugner. magnificent fight between Mohammad Ali and Joe Bugner. Several big events like super famous singers from all over the world also had concert in the stadium before and many times on Asian games was held there too.As Years pass by and all the events and experience made in Stadium Merdeka, it is stil l serving Malaysia now and in the future even though it seems old and aged from the outside. It will sti l l trigger the great sense of Malaysia to every single Malaysian who step into the stadium each time.every single Malaysian who step into the stadium each time.

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KARIMMURZAMURATOV

0329353

INDIVIDUAL JOURNAL

As we travelled to the stadium together, I had gained even more knowledge as there were infographic boards on the walls of the stadium’s lobby. It was interesting to see how the country timeline as it developed to what it is today. The graphics made it easy to picture the whole scenario of the founding fathers holding cultural and national events in the stadium.the stadium.

The group project that we have done was very interesting for me, due to the fact that I'm an international student and learning about a different country’s history is always exciting and interesting. Stadium Merdeka really caught my eye as it is my first time visiting a national stadium in Malaysia and what more a historical one. Being the first few modern buildings of Malaysia, the historical building is few modern buildings of Malaysia, the historical building is stil l very well maintained and it even received the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award for Excellence for Heritage.

Throughout the journey, I got to learn interesting facts about Stadium Merdeka. For example, Stadium Merdeka was built in order to celebrate the transfer from the British Empire to being an independent Malaya. The stadium celebrated the formal declaration of independence on the 31st August 1957. Multiple events were then hosted in the stadium such as the legendary fight between Muhammad Ali stadium such as the legendary fight between Muhammad Ali and Joe Bugner. The other event that interests me was that the stadium hosted Michael Jackson's concert as well. All these facts and events make stadium Merdeka even more important in Malaysian history and more interesting to people around the world. Overall, the trip was amazing and very interesting. Malaysian history is

very rich and full of exciting facts therefore it is important to conserve and protect the heritage buildings in Malaysia for the future of Malaysia to learn from events of the past and not to repeat them again. Stadium Merdeka has faced major historical events and when you’re standing at the stadium, you can almost feel all those historical events. I would visit Stadium Merdeka again in hopes that it would host an event again.again in hopes that it would host an event again.

However, the stadium is quite old and it is not in use anymore. There were multiple constructions around the stadium albeit well maintained at the same time. The stadium had a pleasant environment as the building was restored and conserved to maintain the original appearance back in the 1950’s. The restoration of materials of the stadium did not overpower the original architecture of the building but instead, it blended seamlessly.As we walked further of the building but instead, it blended seamlessly.As we walked further in the stadium, one would notice how the stadium frames the beautiful views of the city of Kuala Lumpur. Touring around the stadium, we took multiple photos to capture the beauty of the stadium’s structure while creating memories at the same time.

Not forgetting my group mates who helped me a lot in learning Malaysian history and getting to know Stadium Merdeka, everyone’s work was excellent. Everyone was cooperative and helpful in fulfi l l ing our allocated tasks. The way they organized everything, was on top. That is why I want to thank them, for organizing and planning transportation to the stadium. I would like to thank our tutor Ms. Norshahila as well for allowing me to experience and learn about preserving and conserving Malaysian heritage building.preserving and conserving Malaysian heritage building.

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TEOKUO CHIEN

0320195

INDIVIDUAL JOURNAL

This visit to Stadium Merdeka starts with our Malaysian Studies module. A project where we need to form a group of 6 people and choose a historical building in Malaysia from a given list. Stadium Merdeka was the significant one to and everyone in the group were up to it so the decision was quick. The Stadium is now operated by Perbadanan Stadium Merdeka and it was renovated once from 20000 seats for football matches to was renovated once from 20000 seats for football matches to 45000 seats. But in the restoration of year 2007, it returned to its original capacity from year 1957.

A visit to the stadium Merdeka was quite an unforgetful moment. To many Malaysians, Stadium Merdeka embodies a singular moment in the nation’s history when the first prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, punched the air with his fist seven times, shouting “Merdeka!”, during the declaration of independence on Aug 31, 1957. Beside that, many historical events was hosted in stadium Beside that, many historical events was hosted in stadium merdeka too. Events like world tour from Micheal Jackson, the fight between Mohammad Ali and Joe Bugner, series of Southeast Asian Games and many more great concert from popular singers from all over the world. As seen Stadium Merdeka are stil l holding a big name in Malaysia today even though it has already been serving for more than 50 years but it will continue to shine for Malaysia in future.it will continue to shine for Malaysia in future.

The combined conservation, restoration and rehabilitation of Stadium Merdeka has provided a fresh source of inspiration for the people of Malaysia, including local residents, politicians, and educators. The popularity of the stadium as a community and sports venue has contributed to increasing the economic and social vibrancy of the surrounding area, and several sports bodies have located themselves in the neighbourhoodfor this reason.The stadium is notably devoid of any religious connotations for this reason.The stadium is notably devoid of any religious connotations and in this way it welcomes people of all backgrounds and helps to reinforce the ideals of the Malaysian people.

As an ending of my reflection, it was a great visit to the Stadium Merdeka with all the other group mates. It will be honour to participate in the next event host in Stadium Merdeka.

When we were visiting the Stadium, we observed that the stadium were well conserved after ages of operation. But after all these years of servings, materials of the stadium looks old even it is being maintained. These old aged texture carried out the historical senses and feelings towards every individual who enter the stadium from the main entrance.

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AHMADASHRAF

0317744

INDIVIDUAL JOURNAL

The building fabric tells it ’s own tale of Brutalist origin, an internationally homogenised style of architecture, summarising the new post-modern movement. A tad dehumanised but of well composed form. Straight lines fi l l vertical elements, and the occasional curved elements flowing horizontally, it is of robust build with unfinished concrete. On the VIP lounge, desaturated earthy colors form the mosaic On the VIP lounge, desaturated earthy colors form the mosaic covering the walls and floors, almost referring to the ‘Bauhaus’ color palette. Indoors, the boards weave a tale that fails to do justice in capturing the rich history of what we had.

My personal sentiments captures the essence not as a whole, but bits and bits of what I have seen and experienced wondering the lonely halls of the stadium。As grand as it seems, the Stadium Merdeka isn’t a sight for the eyes to see, but for the mind to feel. Strong ties to the budding of a new country started in this very field. It is historically known as the formal venue to house the It is historically known as the formal venue to house the fateful event - Malaysia's Declaration of Independence - that stil l l ives on in the hearts of old-timers and patriots who stand by the name of freedom. It is a landmark of sentimental value.

The construction - across the stadium - of the anticipated KL118 marks a new landmark of KL, a symbol of how far we’ve come and in essence, exists a dichotomy when one has both sites in view. You can say that without the understated Stadium, the skyscraper wouldn’t exist. In fact, the presence of the the Stadium adds to the grandeur of the site, l ike a bequeathed ruler standing aside the new King, paling a bequeathed ruler standing aside the new King, paling in comparison to the regal aura of the wiser elder.

I for one, am not someone to wallow in history, but to learn from their mistakes, appreciating their hardships and condemning the wrongdoings. Though I couldn’t help but to feel a slight connection to the simple stadium.

Exiting the hall deeper into the stadium, the field seems to unfurl before a visitor, albeit a simple field, it bears a heavy significance, as if the entire roots and branches of civil malaysia retraces back into this vast field, a tree of l ife if you may.Climbing up and down the steep gangways of the seating areas, it was hard not to imagine a full house during the Speech, men and women alike, shoulder to shoulder making their way past, on their women alike, shoulder to shoulder making their way past, on their toes trying their best to catch a glimpse of the event by the man, Tunku Abdul Razak himself.

Time spent there wouldn’t be as fulfi l l ing without people to take in the experience, namely my group mates. You can’t take non-spontaneousinsta-worthy photos without someone to pose for you, rule no. 4 of photography.

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STADIUM MERDEKA默迪卡体育馆