Indonesia’s capital Jakarta is ready to accommodate the Asian Games of 2018 after Vietnam’s withdrawal declared Wei Jizhong, honorary vice president of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).
JAKARTA – Following q meeting at Jakarta City Hall last Thursday between Wei Jizhong, the honorary vice president of the Olympic Council of Asia and Joko Widodo, outgoing Governor of Jakarta and president-elect of Indonesia, confirmation was given that Jakarta should be ready to host the Asian Games of 2018, one of the most important sporting event in the world. Jakarta underwent a strict assessment of the OCA, vice president Wei Jizhong declared that Jakarta bid to host the Games had all chances to be now approved. “After two inspections by me on behalf of the OCA, we consider Jakarta is almost ready for hosting the 2019 Asian Games,” Wei told reporters according to the Jakarta Post.
“Jakarta’s infrastructure already met all requirements of the OCA. So the OCA is confident that Indonesia and Jakarta can deliver a wonderful and clean Asian Games in 2019,” he said, adding that the official decision would be made by the general assembly of the OCA. The official announcement is due to be done at the end of the Asian Games 2019; which will take place in Incheon in South Korea from September 19 to October 4. The Asian Games should then be givn from Korea to Indonesia at the closing ceremony according to Indonesia Olympic Committee chairwoman Rita Subowo.
Surabaya was originally bidding for the Games two years ago but had been finally ended second after Hanoi won the right to host the competition. However, in a rather discreet announcement, Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung announced last April on the government website that Vietnam would finally renounce to host the Games, citing financial difficulties in a tough socio-economic environment.
Jakarta has since been deemed more suitable to host the Games as it has already a number of infrastructures ready to host large events. The Indonesian capital will share the games with South Sumatra capital Palembang, which will host some of the sport activities. Both cities and provinces will work together. Both cities already worked together when hosting the Southeast Asian Games in 2011.
Indonesia future President Jokowi lauded the opportunity given to Jakarta, saying that “many countries wanted this opportunity. It is a good promotion tool for both Jakarta and Indonesia. It will also stimulate our athletes to make achievements,” he added: “Jakarta could effectively maximize the hosting of the games as the government will be keen to push on the development of infrastructures in the Indonesian capital, which are desperately needed. The hosting of the Asian Games will then reinforce the government’s commitment to speed up the construction of Jakarta underground, modernize drainage and water systems, improve the train system, build new roads and provide new facilities for athletes. “We talked about the BMW stadium; which is part of our preparation,” indicated Mr. Jokowi. There is also a high number of new hotels, residences and shopping facilities being currently in development, which could easily take the additional number of visitors coming to the Indonesian capital during the Games.
Luc Citrinot a French national is a freelance journalist and consultant in tourism and air transport with over 20 years experience. Based in Paris and Bangkok, he works for various travel and air transport trade publications in Europe and Asia.
