TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo asked athletes, former athletes, celebrities, and social media users to support the 2018 Asian Games by promoting the event.
"This is not a small event, but it's a sporting event involving 45 countries that must be supported to compete with the previous Asian Games," said Jokowi at the Bogor Presidential Palace in West Java on Saturday, August 4, 2018.
In terms of achievement, the president asked the Indonesian national team to attempt breaking into the top ten ranks as Indonesia was ranked 17th in the previous Asian Games.
"We are a large nation and don't let the top ten be unachievable. Where would we put our faces?" said Jokowi.
Issues related to the Asian Games promotion were raised several times in the president’s meeting. The president often complained about the lack of promotion for the event. Jokowi said that he has yet seen any significant movements upon promoting the event either in local or international media.
According to INASGOC Chairman Erick Thohir, President Jokowi wants every element in the government to promote the event, not just the 2018 Asian Games official organizing committee.
FRISKI RIANA