PON organizers urged to watch their budget

JAKARTA (JP): The National Sports Council (KONI) vice chairman Arie Sudewo urged the 15th National Games (PON) Organizing Committee in Surabaya to budget efficiently for the quadrennial sports event.

Arie told reporters on Monday that so far the organizers have only Rp 15 billion (US$2.1 million) from their estimated Rp 61 billion budget.

"The organizers are still optimistic that they will be able to reach their target of Rp 61 billion. However, to reach this they have to be more efficient in some posts," he said.

The National Games are scheduled to take place in July in 10 cities in East Java, including among others, Sidoarjo, Jember, Malang, Kediri and Pasuruan. The opening and closing ceremonies and events are being held in Surabaya.

Arie said the organizers' target of Rp 61 budget was made up from the provincial budget, sponsorships, KONI and donations from businesspeople.

"Until today, the contributions have yet to reach a significant amount," said Arie, who also urged the organizers to be more proactive in looking for sponsorships.

Arie said KONI and the organizers have approved some changes in the event for the sake of efficiency.

"In last weekend's meeting, the organizers approved the reduction of the opening and closing ceremonies' budget from Rp 12 billion to Rp 5 billion. I told the organizers to minimize extravagant performances in both ceremonies," he said.

Arie also said that the organizers would also reduce the use of imported sports equipment. "We'll minimize imports and optimize local products."

Arie said the venues for the Games are about 80 percent ready. The only remaining problem is to prepare a control station to monitor the Games.

"The organizers need communication devices to monitor all 35 events in the 10 cities," he said.

The organizers also plan to set up a one-roof media center and data base for competition organizers. (yan)