TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia has been chosen to host the 18th Asian Games in 2018. Jakarta, Palembang, along with several regions in West Java Province will play the hosts to the sport events.

Jakarta Deputy Governor Tjahaja 'Ahok' Basuki Purnama who is set to replace Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo as governor, hoped that Jakarta will organize the Asian Games better than other countries.

"We want to make the next Asian Game as good as the one held in Guangzhou, but better than that," Ahok said, referring to the 2010 Asian Games held in Guangzhou, China.

"We've already learned a lot," he added.

Ahok, who spoke to reporters after attending the General Meeting of the Olympic Council of Asia in the Premier Hall Convensia Songdo, Incheon, South Korea, yesterday, also said Indonesia hoped to learn from China about the technology that will be used during the opening ceremony later.

"So it will be like the Beijing Olympics. It will be incredible," said Ahok.

Chairman of the Indonesian Olympic Committee (KOI) Rita Subowo delivered a presentation on Indonesia’s readiness to host the Asian Games. The presentation was also attended by Ahok and South Sumatra Governor Alex Noerdin.

For this plan, Ahok has asked for the support from the next government.

"I have told Pak Jokowi that the government must spend more money to revamp the main stadium of Bung Karno Stadium," he said.

GADI MAKITAN