National Games costs organizers Rp 23.5b

JAKARTA (JP): The National Games (PON) next year will cost the organizers Rp 23.5 billion (US$10.68 million), nearly Rp 5 billion higher than the budget or the previous sporting meet in 1993.

Secretary-General of the Games Organizing Committee Eddy Widodo said on Wednesday that the Jakarta authorities will provide Rp 11 billion, 47 percent of the total needed for PON.

"The host city's contribution came from its annual budget," Eddy said. Jakarta will play host to the country's biggest sporting extravaganza for a record seventh successive time from Sept. 9 to 20 next year.

The organizers also expect to receive a special fund of Rp 3.2 billion, but Eddy did not elaborate on the source of the money. Other revenues will come from ticket sales estimated at Rp 560 million, provinces' participation fees Rp 1.5 billion and the outstanding Rp 240 million from the previous PON.

The remaining Rp 7 billion will be collected through sponsorships provided by a private company, PT Citrahasta Promotama. The company, which beat 12 other bidders, agreed to raise the amount of money for the PON committee.

"We followed the right procedures before naming the company our partner," Eddy said.

Eddy said the company will have to raise at least Rp 10 billion, since it will spend Rp 3 billion for operational costs.

"If the company manages to exceed the target, we will share the surplus, with the PON committee taking 40 percent and Citrahasta 30 percent," Eddy said. The other 30 percent will be considered additional operational costs.

"We will not suffer any losses, even if the company fails to meet the target," Eddy said.

General Manager of Citrahasta Lista Adriana said she would recruit a number of sponsoring companies under a clause that the PON committee will sanction all products of the companies as official products within three years.

Citrahasta will also launch a nationwide campaign and fund raising program in the 26 provinces outside Jakarta.

The company will officially start its fund-raising program on Oct. 18, when it will publicly announce the 14th PON at Sahid Jaya hotel. It has planned to invite PON's best athletes from the inaugural meet in 1948 through 1993.

The National Sports Council decided early this year to move up the 14th PON one year earlier than the original schedule since the country will hold its general election and play host to the 19th Southeast Asian Games in 1997. (amd)