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)