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)