Govt rejects Sentul management offer

JAKARTA (JP): The government has rejected an offer to take over the management of Sentul international racing circuit near Bogor, West Java, State Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Agung Laksono said on Friday.

Speaking at a media conference in connection with the celebration of Youth Oath Day, Agung asked the circuit's management look to other institutions and foundations for help.

"It's impossible for a government office to operate a circuit. We do not have the staff or the skills to organize competitions and to maintain the facilities professionally," Agung said.

The circuit's management complained in August that financial difficulties had forced them to cancel a number of international races, including a world motorcycling Grand Prix.

Agung also said the government would not conduct an audit of the circuit's assets following the refusal. (27/yan)