KONI to form team for 2006 Asiad campaign

JAKARTA (JP): The National Sports Council (KONI) plans to set up a special team to organize Indonesia's campaign to host the 2006 Asian Games (Asiad).

Secretary-general Rudolf S. Warouw told reporters on Wednesday that the team members' names would be announced after the inauguration of KONI's new officials by President B.J. Habibie at the State Palace on Monday.

"The special team will include Jakarta governor and mayors and representatives from the state minister of youth affairs and sports office. The team's task is to ensure other Asiad participating countries that the Indonesian government and people fully support Indonesia bid to host the quadrennial event," he said.

Warouw also said that KONI would work together with officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to intensify the diplomatic approach.

"When Athens bid for the Olympics, their ambassadors visited members of the International Olympic Committee as a part of its campaign. We hope our diplomats will do the same," he said.

KONI will send its officials to attend the Olympic Committee of Asia (OCA) general assembly in Kuwait in November.

Warouw said the officials would have to fill out an application to bid. Bidding will start early next year. KONI earlier sent a letter of intent offering Indonesia as host to the Asiad.

"The President himself has thrown his weight behind the idea of hosting the Asiad. His approval is one of the main requirements for bidding," he said, adding that the new government gave better attention to sports development in the country.

However, some sports organizations criticized KONI's plan, saying it was unrealistic due to Indonesia's prolonged two-year- old economic crisis.

Bidding for the 2006 Asiad is part of KONI's ambitious Golden Garuda project, aimed at making Indonesia the host and finishing at least sixth in the medal tally.

Warouw said Indonesia would face tough challenges from neighboring country Malaysia, India, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.

Each bidding country must submit its proposal along with an application fee of US$10,000. If a country is appointed host, it is required to contribute another $190,000 to OCA by three months after the announcement. (ivy)