Govt covers Rp 2.5b deficit for Asiad

JAKARTA (JP): The government has agreed to cover a Rp 2.5 billion (US$164,000) deficit in the National Sports Council's budget for Indonesia's participation in the 13th Asian Games in Bangkok in December.

State Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Agung Laksono confirmed yesterday that the National Development Planning Board had decided to provide the additional funds after the council said it was finding it difficult to meet its estimated budget of Rp 5.2 billion for the national team's preparations and costs during the competition.

But Agung said there would be no more financial aid for the council.

"This is the last. We cannot give more due to the current economic situation," Agung said as quoted by Antara.

The government had promised to allot Rp 3 billion from the state budget for the country's Asian Games team, but then cut it by 10 percent.

Agung suggested that the council undertake fund-raising activities itself if it wanted more money.

"They can raise public funds, perhaps. I believe the people are willing to help the national team compete in the Asian Games," he said.

Agung was very optimistic that the public would donate money if the government gave transparent reports on the use of the funds.

"I don't think the public will support a fund-raising program through sticker sales the same way they did prior to the 19th Southeast Asian Games last year," he said.

Council's chairman Wismoyo Arismunandar, despite his gratitude, said the money was not enough. He expected the projected budget to swell to Rp 7 billion due to the sharp depreciation of the rupiah against the U.S. dollar.

Wismoyo plans to hold a meeting with State Minister of the Empowerment of State Enterprises Tanri Abeng, and Minister of Industry and Trade Minister Rahardi Ramelan, to find a way to raise more money.

But Wismoyo said he would not ask for a help from a group of businesspeople who have formed a special board of donors for the council.

He also said that Minister of Defense/Armed Forces Commander Gen. Wiranto had agreed to fly the contingent to Bangkok either by Hercules or Boeing military aircraft.

In a related development, top male gymnast Jonathan Sianturi is warming up for the Asiad in the Pre-Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur which is now underway through July 19.

"I hope to compete in all six events: floor exercise, pommel horse, vault horse, rings, parallel bars and horizontal bar. I feel I have improved during practice," Jonathan said before his departure on Thursday.

Jonathan, who collected five individual golds and one team gold in the SEA Games here last year, will be the only gymnast representing Indonesia at the Asiad. (yan)