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)