Major hike proposed for national sports budget

JAKARTA (JP): The government has set next year's budget for national sports development at Rp 11 billion (US$4.15 million), almost six times as much as last year's figure of Rp 2 billion.

Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Hayono Isman told a hearing with the House of Representatives in charge of social affairs presided over by Ismail Hasan here on Tuesday that the hike was primarily aimed at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta.

"We also need a whopping amount of funds to promote a nation- wide, integrated and massive sports development in a bid to scout local talents who are expected to shine at the international level," said Hayono.

Besides the scouting program, the funds will be used to finance coaching courses, construction projects of sports facilities and a sport management system. The government will also provide donations for National Sports Day celebrations as well as cash rewards for the best athletes.

Hayono said science and technology will be applied intensively in such sports such as swimming, track and field, cycling, rowing, archery and table tennis.

Hayono said the project will involve the national sports governing body (KONI), the Ministry of Education and Culture and four state-owned universities.

"Through the cooperation, we expect to formulate standards to sort out talents in a valid manner," said Hayono. (amd)