TEMPO.CO, Jakarta- The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) believed Indonesia is able to hold Asian Games 2018 after the council examined Indonesia’s report read during OCA regional forum at Fairmont Hotel, Jakarta, on Monday, November 30.

“OCA fully believes that Indonesia will be successful in preparing and organizing Asian Games in 2018,” wrote OCA in press release on Sunday.

OCA said the success was illustrated in the forum that was attended by 19 countries from East and Southeast Asia. In the forum, Indonesia welcomed 13,000 athletes and officials as well as 7,000 media that will cover the event.

“Indonesia has reported preparations for Asian Games and planning in 2016, 2017 and 2018,” said OCA.

OCA’s official statement also brushed aside Indonesia’s concerns of being revoked from hosting Asian Games 2019. Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama previously said Indonesia’s sluggish preparation might cause OCA to look for another country to replace Indonesia as host.

China, which was chosen as host for Asian Games 2022, is said to be willing to replace Indonesia. However, China’s hope vanished because OCA was satisfied with Indonesia’s preparation. In the press release, OCA appreciated Indonesia’s plan to renovate several Asian Games arenas next year.

OCA gave example on construction of homestead athletes at Kemayoran, Central Jakarta. OCA said the homestead that consists of seven towers is strategically located because it is located 25 km from Soekarno Hatta Airport and 20 km from Gelora Bung Karno, the main location of Asian Games.

Other examples are the construction of Velodrome sport building ar Rawamangun, East Jakarta, and swimming pool in Bung Karno main stadium. “Committees will also build Asian Games parks to entertain and provide various information to visitors.”

TRI SUHARMAN