Government to raise fund for SEA Games

Government to raise fund for SEA Games

JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Agung
Laksono has said the government is serious in its plan to
financially support the training of athletes to compete in the
20th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Brunei Darussalam in August.

Agung insisted that, apart from the Rp 5.5 billion allocated
by the National Planning Board (Bappenas), the government would
help the National Sports Council (KONI) raise funds for the
training program.

"I know that it is difficult now to find sponsors. I insist
that the government should contribute. I am optimistic that
Bappenas could add extra money from other ministerial spendings
in the State Budget," he said on Tuesday.

He said that President B.J. Habibie was likely to approve
KONI's suggestion to offer tax reductions to companies who
contributed to the SEA Games.

"Essentially, the President has approved the suggestion. He
asked KONI for further details," he said.

In the tax reduction policy, companies which contribute to
KONI will be awarded cutbacks in their corporate taxes.

"We will ask all companies for contributions, either foreign
or private local companies," he said.

KONI is facing difficulties in financing athletic training
programs and accommodation for athletes competing in the Games.
It asked Bappenas for Rp 22.3 billion, but the board agreed to
give only Rp 5.5 billion.

While waiting for the Rp 5.5 billion to be disbursed in June,
KONI borrowed Rp 500 million from its treasury to finance
athletes' board and lodgings, pocket money, recreation and
laundry costs. The training program started last week.

However, it has only funded key athletes who will compete in
Brunei. The remaining athletes are being financed by their sports
organizations.

It will ask the board for another Rp 7.2 billion for the
athletes' transportation fees and their accommodation in Brunei.

Gelora Senayan Management Board had agreed to hand over Rp 2
billion, while two sports companies, Nassau and Nike, will
contribute sports equipment. (ivy)