The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has decided to take a more tolerant attitude than the governor to employees arriving a little later than usual.

"Coming to work a bit late is understandable, but all our work must still be done with no delay," said Ayub, a 30-year-old employee at the MUI office was quoted here on Wednesday by the Jakarta Post as saying.

Conversation at the office is definitely dominated by talk of soccer results and previews. "It is more exciting to talk about the World Cup than our workload," Ayub added.

Few offices in the capital city have adjusted their working hours to the World Cup matches being broadcast by SCTV. Three games are aired a day during the group round, at 8 p.m., 11 p.m. and 2 a.m.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono had earlier urged the public, particularly civil servants, to maintain their physical well-being and uphold professionalism by keeping to their regular working hours during the month-long event.

"It's common to see my colleagues coming to work with tired eyes. Most of them will watch the matches, even if they finish at 4 a.m.," said Dyah, a staff at the Bank Indonesia.

Arif, who works at an insurance company, agreed, "We work normally and there is no tolerance from the office for those coming late to work just because of the World Cup," he said.

He and his friends are also betting on the event.

"It's just Rp 25,000 (2.6 US dollars) and it's for fun. It's OK," Arif said.