TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian Sports and Youth Minister Dito Ariotedjo expressed regret that the ANOC World Beach Games 2023 slated to take place in Bali on August 5-12 was canceled.

“The government laments the cancellation of ANOC World Beach Games that could surely drive local economy post COVID-19 pandemic,” Dito said in Jakarta, Wednesday, July 5, 2023.

In its statement, ANOC explained that Bali withdrew from its commitment to host the games because the government did not disburse the budget.

Dito emphasized that the government is always ready to be a host in line with President Jokowi’s program. “Indonesia is always ready to be a host of international events, both sports or other events in line with the development of infrastructure and human resources planned by President Jokowi for almost the past decade.”

“But, a mature plan for the implementation is indeed necessary, so we can serve guests well,” Dito said.

According to him, the ministry had arranged a special budget for the games assisted by the Finance and Development Controller (BPKP) and the Directorate General of Budget (DJA) of the Finance Ministry.

He dismissed issues that the government did not provide financial assurance for international sports events, particularly ANOC World Beach Games 2023. This is evident from the sending of contingents and the disbursement of bonuses for medalists.

“Other than the planning, there are indeed other issues following the cancellation of the FIFA U-20 World Cup. But for financial ability, it can be seen that the government is always ready to send multi-sports contingents and is never late to give bonuses to athletes who earn medals,” Dito explained.

In March 2023, FIFA stripped Indonesia’s rights to host U-20 World Cup after Bali refused to host Israel’s team.

ANOC World Beach Games 2023 is scheduled to be held in four Bali regions, namely Nusa Dua, Jimbaran, Kuta, and Canggu. At least 1,500 athletes from 130 countries would join the games.

Additionally, there would be ANOC General Assembly on August 13-15 that would be attended by 205 delegations and top officials from world sports organizations, including the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

ANTARA

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