Sutiyoso tells Jakarta to stay on top in PON

JAKARTA (JP): While Jakarta is considered the home of the nation's top athletes, Governor Sutiyoso has asked the city's contingent for the 15th National Games in Surabaya next month to maintain its top position in the quadrennial sports event.

"I hope that all of you will be able to maintain our supremacy in the upcoming 15th National Games," Sutiyoso told the Jakarta athletes on Wednesday in a ceremony marking the establishment of the city's contingent to the National Games (PON), which will be held from June 19 until June 30.

"But, of course, you should compete in the tournament fairly without any drugs," he said jokingly during the celebration, held at the Jakarta Fairground in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta.

The ceremony was attended by Jakarta athletes, coaches and officials, who wore the same outfits -- red-and-white jackets, trousers, hats and canvas shoes -- including the governor.

Head of the Jakarta contingent, Abdul Kahfi, said the city administration expected the athletes to bring home 135 out of the available 544 gold medals.

"The gold medals will most likely be gained from athletics, swimming, soccer, archery, wushu, hang gliding and shooting," said Kahfi, who is also deputy governor of administration.

The target is below the number of medals Jakarta athletes brought home in the 1996 National Games, comprising 141 gold, 84 silver and 79 bronze.

Jakarta has topped the medal standings in nine of the 13 past Games. The sixth PON was canceled because of a coup attempt blamed on the now outlawed Indonesian Communist Party on Sept. 31, 1965.

For the upcoming National Games, Jakarta will send a 962- member contingent, including 539 athletes who will be competing in 37 events, including two exhibition events.

The city administration has allocated Rp 12 billion (US$1.4 million) to preparations and accommodation. The amount is Rp 3 billion more than for the previous National Games.

Wednesday's ceremony saw the athletes dancing and having a good time, with the governor singing two songs for them. There were also several singers to entertain them. (09)