Two businesspeople keen to help with SEA Games

Two businesspeople keen to help with SEA Games

JAKARTA (JP): Two local businesspeople have expressed their wish to take part in the upcoming Southeast Asian Games, State Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Hayono Isman told reporters yesterday.

"So far, two businesspeople have submitted their proposals to the minister's office," he said.

Hayono declined to give further details about the identity of the businesspeople.

"We'll announce their names at the next ministerial coordinating meeting on March 15," he said.

Hayono said that the government has also opened its door wide to foreign businesspeople who are interested in sponsoring the SEA Games.

Earlier, the National Sports Council treasurer Setya Novanto disclosed that three businesspeople from the U.S., Japan and South Korea have expressed interest in taking part in the biggest regional sports meet.

Novanto said although the three companies insist on forming a partnership with the government, the council prefers to provide the sponsorship to local businesspeople.

"We'll sponsor our businesspeople, who will set up a consortium for the SEA Games," he said.

Hayono pointed out that those in the private sector who are interested in sponsorship will have to be able to provide a Rp 70 billion (US$30.5 billion) budget and also provide an athletes village.

"About the village, it's OK if the location is far from the Senayan sports complex, as long as it meets the SEA Games rules," he said.

"I'm afraid we won't be able to build a new athletes village because of the limited time," he added.

Hayono expressed his hope that involving the private sector in financing the Games will give the economy a filip.

"The private sector participation will create additional value from street vendor to the conglomerates," he said.

Hayono, however, said the government will still fund the venues for the SEA Games.

"I think each sport organization have to be able to manage its sport facility to earn income," he said.

"But they are responsible for the maintenance fees," he added.

Hayono said that if the venues are managed by the sport organizations, they will maintain them according to international standards.

"By putting this idea into practice, the government's role in managing the sports venues will be diminished," he said. (05)