East Kalimantan promises free room

JAKARTA: Organizers of the East Kalimantan 2008 National Games (PON) have pledged "totally" free lodging and accommodation for all participating groups.

"We initially proposed to take up to 75 percent of the expenses the participants would have, but the Kutai Regent later announced its commitment to taking the remaining 25 percent," Robian, an official of the organizing committee, told reporters on Thursday.

The election saw the province, known for its abundant natural resources, win 53 votes to beat West Java with only eight and South Sulawesi with seven.

Robian said that the provincial administration would budget as much as Rp 760 billion (US$73.6 million) to build the facilities and organize the event. The 2004 PON will be held in South Sumatra. -- JP