Government raises nearly $6 million for SEA Games
Government raises nearly $6 million for SEA Games
JAKARTA (JP): The government has earmarked Rp 12.6 billion (US$5.7 million) to finance the national team's preparations for the Southeast Asian Games in Chiang Mai, Thailand, in December.
Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Hayono Isman told a hearing with the House of Representatives presided over by Ismael Hasan yesterday that centralized training programs for selected athletes will cost more than one third of the amount.
"The centralized training program which is expected to begin in March will cost Rp 9.6 billion ($4.4 million). The rest of the fund will be used for sending the national contingent and covering their daily expenses during competitions at the Games," Hayono said.
Accommodation expenses for Indonesia's 520 athletes during the previous Games in Singapore two years ago cost almost Rp 4 billion.
Hayono added, however, that the national squad will need more in its bid to retain the overall championship title. "Other sources are needed to fulfill the financial shortage," said Hayono.
Apart from the government, private companies have played a crucial role in providing financial aid for the national squad for the last two years, in place of the defunct national lottery.
The National Sports Council (KONI) received a last minute helping hand worth Rp 3.6 billion ($1.6 million) from private companies when it sent a team of 139 to the Asian Games in Hiroshima last year.
Hayono said the companies deserved a reward from the government in return for their help. "It's not fair to ask without giving something," he said.
"A certain regulation on rewards for helpful companies should be drawn up," Hayono added. As an example, Hayono said the companies could receive special tax treatment.
Bitter memory
The long-term centralized training program for SEA Games will kick off in March after the new KONI leadership board is installed. Some athletes, including those from track and field, cycling and volleyball, have started their training program despite the fasting month.
Retaining the supremacy in the regional sporting meet became one of the objectives set by KONI during its recent national congress.
Indonesia suffered a bitter blow in Thailand in 1985 when the national team lost its overall title for the first time since 1977, finishing second behind the host nation.
Hayono also said during the hearing that the government plans to build more sports facilities, particularly for students, in its efforts to promote a nation-wide, integrated and massive sports development.
"The funds for the construction projects of sports facilities for students will come also from the Ministry of Education and Culture," Hayono said.
The government has also allocated Rp 100 million ($45,000) for a special project conducted in cooperation with the Jakarta Teacher's Training Institute to improve the skills of national coaches and managers, said Hayono. (amd)