TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko Widodo held a meeting to discuss the state of infrastructure readiness for the Asian Games XVII slated for 2018 in Jakarta and Palembang, South Sumatra Province.
"I urged that all preparations must proceed on time because it is a question of our pride and will underline Indonesia's capability in hosting the games," Jokowi said on Monday.
The meeting was held in the Presidential Office in Jakarta and attended by Vice President Jusuf Kalla, Coordinating Minister for Development of Human and Culture Puan Maharani, Minister of Youth and Sports Imam Nahrawi, Minister of State Secretary Pratikno as well as Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung.
The president asked the ministers to focus on three main topics, namely infrastructure readiness, the competitiveness of Indonesian athletes and transportation facilities between Jakarta and Palembang, the two cities that will be hosting the Asian Games XVII.
"I ask ministers to describe the progress in the preparations being made for Asian Games," Jokowi informed.
As for the transportation facilities, the president directed the ministers to ensure such facilities in provinces surrounding Jakarta, such as West Java and Banten. The sports event will be centered around these two areas.
He also asked ministers to submit reports in a scheduled manner about these preparations to the president.
"Please let me know if there are any obstacles in preparing for the Asian Games," Jokowi added.
Indonesia will be hosting the Asian Games XVII from 18 August to 2 September, 2018. The Games will have at least 40 sports event.
ANTARA
