State firms to lend a hand for Asiad

JAKARTA (JP): State Minister of the Empowerment of State Enterprises Tanri Abeng pledged yesterday that state enterprises would provide financial assistance to the National Sports Council to send its squad to the 13th Asian Games in Bangkok in December.

"I still can't mention the figure," Tanri said on Friday while watching a tennis championships in commemoration of Indonesia's 53rd independence anniversary at the Senayan tennis complex. He was accompanied by State Minister of Housing and Settlement Theo L. Sambuaga, Attorney General Andi Ghalib and Minister of Information Muhammad Yunus Yosfiah.

The council needs about Rp 7 billion (US$538,500) to train athletes for the Asiad and to cover transportation and accommodation expenses during the quadrennial event.

The council has received Rp 5.2 billion from the National Development Planning Board, and is seeking other sources to make up the shortfall. The Rp 5.2 billion is divided between Rp 3.5 billion for training expenses and the rest for the contingent. The amount would only be enough to send 82 athletes and officials.

Tanri, who is also a special advisor to the council, urged the public to be more aware of sports development because it was impossible to expect financial help from the government and businesspeople during the monetary crisis.

Antara news agency reported that Theo, who is also the vice chairman of the Gelora Senayan Management Board, said he would study the council's proposal for financial assistance for the Asiad.

Council chairman Wismoyo Arismunandar and State Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Agung Laksono have urged the Gelora Senayan executive directors to hand over the Senayan sports complex management to either of them.

The board consists of the Minister/State Secretary as the ex- officio chairperson of the board, with the state minister of housing and settlement, the state minister of youth affairs and sports, minister of public works, the chairman of the National Sports Council, the Jakarta governor and the Jakarta Military commander serving as ex-officio members. (yan)