Sutiyoso to grant bonuses to National Games medalists

Sutiyoso to grant bonuses to National Games medalists

JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta governor Sutiyoso told reporters Tuesday
that the Jakarta administration would grant cash bonuses to the
province's 15th National Games (PON) medalists.

"Gold medalists in individual events will reach get Rp 20
millions (US$2,350). Those competing in doubles events will
receive Rp 15 millions each while competitors in team events will
bag Rp 10 millions each," the governor said at City Hall, adding
that he forgot the amount to be given to silver and bronze
medalists.

"We expect to give the bonuses sometimes next week in a
ceremony to welcome the athletes home," he added.

Sutiyoso also said the administration has been preparing a
special condolence for gymnast Jonathan Sianturi whose father was
killed onboard Argo Gede Anggrek train bound for Jakarta from
Surabaya after watching his performance.

"We'll see what we can do to help the family," he said.

Jonathan contributed three gold medals to the Jakarta
contingent.

Defending champion Jakarta came second to host East Java by
only collecting 116 golds, 85 silvers and 96 bronzes. The host
toppled Jakarta after bagging 132 golds, 107 silvers and 115
bronzes.

Sutiyoso, however, said there were a lot of irregularities in
the games.

"The irregularities caused me a bad headache, it was so
chronic there. When the host didn't win a gold medal, they
launched a protest so the organizing committee had to award
shared gold medals," he said.

"Not to mention that East Java has recruited many national
athletes from other provinces with lavish offers, such as being
civil servants in the province."

He pointed to a case of an athlete who was already a civil
servant in Makassar, South Sulawesi, who decided to move to East
Java.

"And you know what? The athlete then became a civil servant in
East Java," Sutiyoso said. (nvn)