C. Java provides Rp 13b for PON

PURWOKERTO, Central Java (JP): Central Java Governor Mardiyanto said his authority had spent Rp 13 billion (US$1.6 million) to fund training and provide bonuses for local athletes who win medals at the 15th National Games (PON) in Surabaya next month.

"We are serious and we don't promise many things to the athletes. But we will give a bonus for those who manage to get medals at PON," he said Saturday.

Mardiyanto said tough competition would come from Jakarta and West Java.

"But we are optimistic that we can win gold in certain events, like track and field, wushu, taekwondo, pencak silat and kempo," he told The Jakarta Post. (45)