INDONESIA HOPES TO EMULATE ASIAD SUCCESS IN ASIAN PARA GAMES by Fardah

     Jakarta, Sept 29 (Antara) -    Many international media and several world leaders lauded the smooth and well-organized implementation of the 18th Asian Games held simultaneously in two cities, namely in Jakarta on western Java Island and Palembang in South Sumatra, from Aug 18 to Sept 2, 2018.

          Indonesia successfully held spectacular opening and closing ceremonies of the Asian Games. Most importantly, the Games were organized smoothly without any serious problems, including in terms of security.

           The sport fiesta does not stop with the Asiad 2018 alone as it will be followed by the third Asian Para Games, which will take place in Jakarta from Oct 6 to 13, 2018.

          The Indonesian government hopes to emulate the success achieved during the Asian Games in the upcoming largest multi-sport event for athletes with disability in Asia.

          One of the many factors that make the Asiad a successful event is the support from the public. Therefore, the government has been intensifying the promotion of the Asian Para Games 2018 to make the public aware of it.

         Head of the Indonesia Asian Para Games 2018 Organizing Committee (INAPGOC), Raja Sapta Oktohari, recently reported to President Joko Widodo (Jokowi), during a closed-door meeting at the Bogor Presidential Palace, that the preparations for the implementation of the event were nearly complete.

        Jokowi told ministers and institutions to treat the second-largest multi-sporting event for the disabled after the Paralympic Games and the Asian Games.

AFTER ASIAD, PENCAK SILAT EXPECTED INCLUSION INTO UNESCO ICH LIST by Fardah

 Jakarta, Sept 15, 2018 (Antara) - Indonesia has delivered its best-ever achievement in the Asian Games history by ranking fourth in the medal tally, with 31 gold medals, nearly half of them from the pencak silat martial art.

        Indonesia won 14 out of the total 16 gold medals up for grabs in pencak silat also participated in by Malaysia, Japan, Brunei Darussalam, India, Nepal, Laos, Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, Vietnam, Chinese Taipei, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan in the 18th Asian Games co-hosted by the Indonesian capital city of Jakarta and Palembang from August 18 to September 2, 2018.

        Pencak silat debuted in the largest multi-sport event in Asia. This is because Indonesia had the privilege to propose pencak silat, its traditional martial art, in which it had hopes of winning gold. The country certainly did not miss the opportunity to make pencak silat as its "gold mine" in the Asiad.

        At the closing ceremony of the Asian Games 2018, dozens of performers, wearing white clothes and red headscarves, demonstrated the movements of pencak silat to spectators at the Bung Karno Main Stadium in Senayan, Jakarta.

        In the presence of rain that began in the afternoon, the performers displayed a variety of Indonesian martial arts movements, which included strikes, kicks, sweeping, and take down.

        Pencak silat is a traditional martial art that has played an important role since Indonesia's ancient history. West Sumatra and West Java are believed to be the origins of the sport, but it later spread across the country.

INDONESIA RECORDS TWO SUCCESSES IN ASIAN GAMES 2018 by Fardah

   Jakarta, Sept 13, 2018 (Antara) - Having a chance to host the Asian Games for the second time after waiting for over 50 years, Indonesia did not want to miss the opportunities to show the world that the nation is capable of successfully organizing the largest sporting event in Asia and upgrading its rank in the Asiad's medal table.

            Many international media as well as several world leaders lauded the smooth and well-organized implementation of the 18th Asian Games held simultaneously in two cities, namely in Jakarta on western Java Island and Palembang in South Sumatra, from Aug 18 to Sept 2, 2018.

         Headlines of major media on the Games read "Asian Games Stir Indonesia's Pride, Boost Jokowi's Campaign", "Indonesia proved their credibility with a successful show at Asian Games", "Games-Hosts Indonesia bid emotional farewell to 18th Asiad," and "Asian Games close: Indonesia shows it's the 'Energy of Asia'".

        Besides, Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi), during his state visit to South Korea on Sept 10,  received congratulations for successfully organizing the 2018 Asian Games.

        Ahmad Al Sabah Al Fahad, president of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), in his remarks during the closing ceremony of the Asian Games in Jakarta on Sept 2, 2018, lauded the Indonesian Government for successful organization of the Games and, in particular, the country's security authorities for maintaining safety during the Games.

       "I especially convey my appreciation to the security and traffic police who have worked hard (to overcome traffic jams) enabling athletes to come to the venue on time," Al Fahad stated.

INDONESIA GLORIOUS IN PENCAK SILAT DEBUT by Fardah

  Jakarta, Aug 28. 2018 (Antara) - Indonesia has clean swept all gold medals in eight finals of pencak silat, traditional martial arts originating from Indonesia, which is making its debut in the 18th Asian Games this year.

         The finals held in Pencak Silat Hall, which is located in the Beautiful Indonesia Miniature Park (TMII), East Jakarta, on Aug 27, 2018, comprised women's individual arts, men's 85-90 kilograms, men's team arts, men's 50-55 kilograms class B, women's 50-55 kilograms class B, men's 55-60 kilograms class C, women's 55-60 kilograms class C, and men's 65-70 kilograms class E.

        Puspa Arumsari won the first gold medal for Indonesia in Pencak Silat in the 2018 Asian Games, after achieving the highest point in the women's single finals.

          Other Indonesian gold medalists include Yola Primadona Jampil and Hendy (in the men's doubles category), Nunu Nugraha, Asep Yuldan Sani, and Anggi Faisal Mubarok (in the men¿s arts team), Aji Bangkit Pamungkas (in the men¿s 85 kilograms), Adi Putra (in men's class E of 65-70 kilograms), Iqbal Candra Pratam (in men's D category of 60-65 kilograms), Sarah Tria Monita (in the women's C category of 55-60 kilograms), and Abdul Malik (in the men's B category of 50-55 kilograms).

         In one day, Aug 27, the national pencak silat athletes contributed eight gold medals, raising Indonesia¿s medal standings from rank fifth, with 14 gold medals on Aug 27 morning, to rank fourth, with 22 gold medals in the evening, beating Iran, which was previously in the fourth rank, in the Asian Games medal tally.

          Indonesia still has chances to win more gold medals in pencak silat in five final matches scheduled for Aug 28, also at Pencak Silat Hall, TMII, where Prabowo Subianto, chairman of the Indonesian Pencak Silat Association (IPSI), concurrently president of the International Pencak Silat Association (Persilat), is expected to be present during the matches. 
      ¿Alhamdulillah (Thank Allah), our athletes have made great achievements, thanks to their hard work. We are grateful that they could uphold the image of the nation," Subianto stated in Jakarta on Monday (Aug 27).

           Manager of Indonesia¿s pencak silat contingent, Edhy Prabowo, expressed his satisfaction over his team¿s achievement, which is double than the target set by IPSI as well as the government.

          ¿This is a surprise and is beyond our expectation. I thought we would have half of it, and another half tomorrow. But, Alhamdulillah, we have achieved it all already," Prabowo remarked.

         Since the beginning, Indonesia has been optimistic of winning gold medals in pencak silat in the eight finals of the Asian Games 2018.

         Indonesia's pencak silat athletes competing in the Asian Games 2018 are Komang Harik Adi Putra, Iqbal Candra Pratama, Abdul Malik, Wewey Wita, Pipiet Khamelia, Sarah Tria Monita, Hanifan Yudani Kusumah, and Aji Bangkit Pamungkas.

             Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan, Brunei Darussalam, India, Nepal, Laos, Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, Vietnam, Chinese Taipei, Vietnam, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan are the 16 countries participating in pencak silat in the largest multi-sport event in Asia.

        Meanwhile, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has expressed his appreciation to the country's athletes for the remarkable achievement made so far in the current 18th Asian Games 2018.

             He wrote in his official Facebook account on Aug 27 evening that despite having still another week more for the Games to conclude, Indonesian athletes have been able to surpass the target of 16 gold medals.

            "Today, Indonesia has collected 22 gold, 15 silver, and 27 bronze medals," he noted.

             He added that most of the gold medals won on Monday were from pencak silat.

          "Most of the gold medals were won by pencak silat athletes at the Padepokan Pencak Silat Taman Mini Indonesia Indah venue today, reaching a total of eight medals," he noted.

         The president, in particular, expressed appreciation to a married couple who had contributed a gold medal each to the country.

         "Two gold medals were even won by Iqbal Candra Oratama and Sarah Tris Minifa, who are husband and wife. In addition, two gold medals were collected from men's and women's sport climbing event in Palembang," he remarked.

          He continued to motivate athletes to keep on fighting until the end of the Games to do their best for the country.

          "Efforts to collect medals must still continue. Our athletes will still fight at the sports venues to promote the name of the country," he pointed out.

         As of Aug 28 evening, Indonesia has achieved a total of 72 medals, comprising 24 gold medals, 19 silver medals, and 29 bronze medals, ranking fourth after China, Japan, and South Korea in the medal tally of the ongoing Asian Games.

          Being co-host by Jakarta and Palembang in South Sumatra Province from Aug 18 to Sept 2, 2018, the 18th Asian Games is being participated in by some 17 thousand athletes and officials from 45 member countries of Asia.  ***4***
(f001/INE)

ASIAN GAMES TORCH RELAY COMPLETES 18 THOUSAND KM-LONG JOURNEY by Fardah

Jakarta, Aug 17, 2018 (Antara) - The Asian Games 2018 torch relay has finally completed its one-month-long journey covering a total distance of 18 thousand kilometers and touring 53 cities and districts in 18 provinces across Indonesia.

        Arriving in Jakarta on August 15, the torch was handed over to President Joko Widodo at Merdeka State Palace on Aug 17, coinciding with the celebration of the 73rd anniversary of Indonesia's independence.

       Flanked by Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Imam Nahrawi, the President ran for a short distance to welcome the torch as it entered the gate of the palace and accepted it from Verawati Fajrin, a badminton legend from the 1980s.

          Holding the torch in his right hand, President Jokowi, as he is also known, said, "I accept the torch to start the Asian Games 2018."
    Also flanked by a line of athletes, President Jokowi then ran with the torch to the front of the honorary stage at the palace.

         On the stage, he then handed over the torch to the Indonesia Asian Games Organizing Committee (INASGOC) chief, Erick Tohir.

          Tohir then ran with the torch out of the palace to the National Monument close to the palace where it will be kept for a night before it will be taken again and brought to the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium for the opening ceremony of the 18th Asian Games on August 18.

INDONESIA SHOWCASES MAIN TOURIST DESTINATIONS DURING ASIAN GAMES TORCH RELAY by Fardah

 Jakarta, July 26, 2018 (Antara) - The Asian Games 2018 torch is currently being relayed in 53 cities and districts in 18 provinces, covering a total distance of over 18 thousand kilometers, via land, air, and even under the sea, similar to what happened when it arrived in Raja Ampat on July 26.  
   The flame, a merging of flame from India, the first host of the Asian Games in 1951, and Merapen flame from Central Java, Indonesia, this year's host of the Asian Games, was kept in a tinderbox while diving.

        The diver who took the torch while diving in crystal clear turquoise sea waters off Piaynemo Island, West Papua, was Tri Suswati, wife of General Tito Karnavian, Chief of the National Police.

        Suswati was accompanied by Nadine Chandrawinata, a beautiful Indonesian actress, and eight other divers grouped under the Indonesian Female Divers (WASI) Cub headed by her.

        She dove at a depth of three meters for nearly one minute with the torch in her hand and later returned the torch to Chandrawinata.

         Raja Ampat is currently one of the best marine tourist destinations in Indonesia, if not the world. It is a crown jewel, thanks to its crystal clear turquoise sea waters and several isles covered by a thick green carpet of dense forests and mangrove swamps.

             The stunning natural beauty of Raja Ampat isles, located on the northwestern tip of the Indonesian province of West Papua, is often seen as a heaven on earth, where dreams of divers come true and nature lovers find a perfect place.

ASIAN GAMES TORCH BEGINS TOUR OF 53 CITIES, 18 PROVINCES by Fardah

Jakarta, July 20, 2018 (Antara) - Several Indonesians are enthusiastically welcoming the 18th Asian Games torch relay touring 53 cities and districts in 18 Indonesian provinces, covering a total distance of over 18 thousand kilometers.

              The torch relay of the largest multi-sport event, held every four years in Asia, began from Yogyakarta on July 18 and will end on Aug 17 in Jakarta, a day before the Asian Games 2018 to be officially opened by President Joko Widodo.

              The torch relay will pass through Solo, Central Java Province; Blitar, Malang, Probolinggo, and Banyuwangi in East Java; Gilimanuk, Kuta, and Denpasar in Bali Province; Mataram in West Nusa Tenggara; Raja Ampat and Sorong in West Papua; Makassar in South Sulawesi; Banjarmasin in South Kalimantan; Banda Aceh in Aceh Province; Lake Toba in North Sumatra; Pekanbaru in Riau; Bukit Tinggi in West Sumatra; Jambi, Palembang, Banyuasin, and Prabumulih in South Sumatra; Bandar Lampung in Lampung; Serang in Banten; and Purwakarta, Bandung, Garut, Cianjur, and Bogor in West Java Province, among others.

              For Indonesia, the Asian Games is not merely a sporting event but also a huge international gathering that offers a rare opportunity to promote its tourism. Hence, most of the cities and districts, such as Raja Ampat, Banyuwangi, and Lake Toba, to be covered as part of the torch relay, are major tourist destinations.

              Yogyakarta, the start of the torch relay, is known as a city of cultural, historical, educational, and tourism attractions, which is home to the largest Javanese sultanate and ancient Hindu temple, Prambanan.

ASIAN GAMES TORCH RELAY TO START FROM HISTORIC, CULTURAL YOGYAKARTA by Fardah

Jakarta, July 17, 2018 (Antara) - Yogyakarta, which is known as the city of culture, history, education, and tourism, has the honor to be the start of the Asian Games torch relay, which will begin on July 18, 2018.

         Choosing the right city as the start line of the Asian Games torch relay is important because the Games is not just a mere multi-sport event but is also a means to promote the tourism and image of Indonesia worldwide, Erick Thohir, Chairman of the Indonesian Asian Games Organizing Committee (INASGOC), has revealed.

         "Yogyakarta is a historic city, and we want to promote its tourism," Thohir stated on July 17, 2018, upon his arrival in Yogyakarta from India, the host of the first Asian Games in 1951, to pick up the torch.

         In India, the flame was generated from a parabolic mirror directed straight at the sun.

         The 2018 Asian Games torch relay began its 18,000-kilometer journey on July 15, 2018, from the Major Dyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi, where the flame was lit for the first time at the inaugural edition in 1951.

         "India always holds a special place in the hearts of sportspeople in Asia, because the nation, specifically New Delhi, was the birthplace of the Asian Games. The torch relay today will bring the two countries even closer," Thohir stated while in New Delhi.

         From India, the torch was transported to Indonesia. It arrived at the Adi Sutjipto Air Force Base in Yogyakarta, in the morning of July 17, aboard a Boeing 737-500 aircraft of the Indonesian Air Force.

MEDICAL SERVICES GET BOOSTER DOSE FOR ASIAN GAMES by Fardah

Jakarta, May 29, 2018 (Antara) - The Indonesian government has sought to breathe new life into medical services in preparation for the 18th Asian Games, to be held from August 18 to September 2, and the Third Asian Para Games from October 6 to 13.

         The Asian Games will be held in Jakarta and Palembang, South Sumatra Province, while the Asian Para Games will be in Jakarta, mainly at the Bung Karno Sport Stadium.

         Some 9,500 athletes, 2,500 personnel of the Asian Olympic Council, and 5,500 technical delegates from 45 Asian countries will participate in the Asian Games. At least 3,500 media representatives are expected to cover the Games. And providing all of them world class medical facilities is daunting.

         Around 3,000 differently abled athletes and 1,000 officials from 43 Asian countries will participate in the Asian Para Games.

         The Indonesian contingent at the Asian Games could reach 1,500 as the host will take part in all events. Indonesia's target is to place in the top ten at the Asian Games, according to the Youth and Sports
Affairs Minister, Imam Nahrawi.

         The Indonesian authorities have ensured tight security measures that will meet international standards during the largest sport event in Asia.

         Besides security, the government has also pledged to provide optimum medical services during the Games.

         Kartini Rustandi, Director in the Ministry of Health, stated that since 2017, the ministry had been conducting workshops to select and train medical personnel to provide services during the 2018 Asian Games.

SECURITY FOR ASIAN GAMES 2018 TO MEET INT'L STANDARDS by Fardah

Jakarta, May 29, 2018 (Antara) - Indonesia will tighten security measures in accordance with international standards for the 18th Asian Games to be held in Jakarta and the South Sumatra provincial capital of Palembang, from August 18 to September 2. 
     Some 9,500 athletes, 2,500 personnel of the Asian Olympic Council, and 5,500 technical delegates from 45 countries will participate. At least 3,500 media representatives are expected to cover the Games.

        Security arrangement for the biggest sport event in Asia was discussed in a meeting chaired by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) in Jakarta on May 28.   
    The Chairman of the Indonesia Asian Games 2018 Organising Committee (Inasgoc), Erick Tohir, said he had worked in coordination with the police and the military to ensure the success of the Games.

        At the meeting, President Jokowi emphasised the importance of assuring all participants that Indonesia was safe.

         Indonesia would ensure that security during the Asian Games and the third Para Games to be held in Jakarta from October 6 to13 would meet the international standards set by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and the Asian Paralympic Committee (APC).

          "I have asked the Indonesian Asian Games Organising Committee (Inasgoc) and the Indonesian Asian Para Games Organising Committee (Inapgoc) to inform OCA and APC that the condition in Indonesia was safe as the security officers had managed to control the situation," the Youth and Sports Affairs Minister, Imam Nahrawi, said recently.

            The organising committees decided to go ahead with the schedules because the situation had been restored to normal after the bombing incidents in Surabaya, East Java, he noted in early May.  
    Earlier, the House Speaker, Bambang Soesatyo, also called for the implementation of international standard security measures for the Asian Games. He urged the military (TNI) and the police to work hard to secure the event.

PROMOTION ACTIVITIES OF ASIAN GAMES 2018 INTENSIFIED by Fardah

Jakarta, April 27, 2018 (Antara)-  The Indonesian Government has intensified various promotional activities to make the public aware of the 18th Asian Games which will be held simultaneously in Jakarta and Palembang in South Sumatra Province, on Aug 18-Sept 2, 2018.

          The efforts are in accordance with a call voiced by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) who considered that publications on the planned Asian Games on the domestic and international media were too few.

          During a meeting discussing the preparations for the largest sports event in Asia, held in Bogor Palace, on April 18, 2018, the Head of State  urged his cabinet to publish promotional materials and advertisements of Asian Games once in every two weeks.

         "Promotion of the Asian Games can be conducted every two weeks on  local and international media," Jokowi said.

         Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Imam Nahrawi recently organized a fun biking event at the Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta, as part of promotional events for the 18th Asian Games and the Third Asian Para Games which will be organized on Oct 6-13, 2018.

         "This is one of the events to promote the implementation of the Asian Games and Para Games," Minister Nahrawi stated.

           Officials and other employees of the youth affairs and sports ministry participated in the fun biking event.

            While biking, he made several stops to check various venues to be used for the Asian Games and interacted with the people exercising in the sports stadium.

            The minister plans to hold a fun biking event to promote the Asian Games and Para Games every Wednesday.

ENSURING ASIAN GAMES SECURITY AMONG INDONESIA'S TOP PRIORITIES by Fardah

Jakarta, Feb 12, 2018 (Antara) - Indonesia, as the host of the 18th Asian Games, has set four top priorities for the smooth and successful implementation of the largest regional sporting event of Asian nations.

          The four top priorities for the 18th Asian Games are operations, administration, support, and security, according to Erick Thohir, president of the Indonesian Asian Games Organizing Committee (INASGOC).

            The Asian Games will be co-hosted by Jakarta and Palembang, South Sumatra, simultaneously from August 18 to September 2, 2018.

         Some 9.5 thousand athletes, 2.5 thousand personnel of the Asian Olympic Council, and 5.5 thousand technical delegates from 45 countries will participate or be involved in the event. At least 3.5 thousand media representatives are expected to cover the event.

         Sandiaga Uno, deputy governor of Jakarta, had earlier emphasized that the aspect of security will be one of the top priorities of Indonesia during the 2018 Asian Games.

         Security efforts will be undertaken in cooperation with various parties, particularly the police, as the main security authorities, with the support of the Indonesian Defense Forces.

         "The image of Indonesia and the honor of the nation will be in our hands. We must ensure security and good preparations during the implementation of the Asian Games," Uno had noted in Oct 2017 following a meeting with the commander of the Jakarta military regional command.

        As the games will be held within less than six months, the Jakarta Metro Jaya Police on February 7, 2018, held a roll-call ceremony on security preparations for the Asian Games.

         The ceremony was led by Deputy Chief of the Jakarta Police Brigadier General, Purwadi Arianto, and attended by Chairman of the Indonesian Asian Games Organizing Committee (INASGOC), Erik Tohir, and his deputy Lieutenant General (retired), Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin.

INDONESIA TO ENSURE HAZE-FREE ASIAN GAMES by Fardah

 Jakarta, Feb 10, 2018 (Antara) - South Sumatra, scheduled to co-host the 18th Asian Games with Jakarta from August 18 to September 2, 2018, has in the past borne witness to forest fires that produced smoke or haze shrouding several cities.

       However, over the past couple of years, the Indonesian authorities have managed to significantly reduce the number of wildfires, particularly on Sumatra Island, thereby preventing the occurrence of haze.

        Despite the success, the Indonesian government remains vigilant and is currently implementing preventive measures to ensure that forest fires will not occur during the implementation of the 18th Asian Games.

          "This year, we host the Asian Games in Jakarta and Palembang. I remind you to not let the smoke from forest and land fires arise during the implementation of the event," President Joko Widodo noted during a briefing to participants of the National Coordination Meeting on Forest and Land Fire Control in 2018 at the State Palace in Jakarta on February 6, 2018.

          He pointed out that haze from forest and land fires will tarnish the image of Indonesia and disrupt flights during the Asian Games.

          "We have to work hard to ensure that the Asian Games run smoothly without any disturbance from forest and land fires," he stated.

          Participants at the meeting comprised governors, heads of districts, mayors, commanders of the regional military command, regional police heads, military resort commanders, military district commanders, and resort police heads from areas prone to forest and land fires.

JAKARTA TO UTILIZE MOMENTUM OF ASIAN GAMES TO BOOST MSMEs by Fardah

 Jakarta, Feb 8, 2018 (Antara) - The 18th Asian Games, a regional sporting event for Asian nations, will be co-hosted by Jakarta and Palembang, South Sumatra, simultaneously from August 18 to September 2, 2018.

        This will be the second time that Indonesia will host the Asian Games after the first one was held in Jakarta in 1962.

        After more than five decades, the Asian Games will finally return to Indonesia's capital city of Jakarta, a metropolitan hosting more than 12 million people during the work week.

        Some 9.5 thousand athletes, 2.5 thousand personnel of the Asian Olympic Council, and 5.5 thousand technical delegates from 45 countries will participate or be involved in the event. At least 3.5 thousand media representatives are expected to cover the event.

        The presence of such a large number of people from various countries offers a good opportunity for Jakarta and Palembang to promote their tourist destinations and products of micro, small, and medium scale enterprises (MSMEs).

        The 2018 Asian Games offers the necessary momentum to boost the capital city's economy, Jakarta Deputy Governor Sandiaga Salahudin Uno remarked.

        Uno has encouraged some 20 thousand small and medium entrepreneurs to produce and sell souvenirs during the largest regional sporting event in the Asian continent.

        "The 2018 Asian Games offers the best momentum to boost the capital city's economy by involving MSMEs. It is time for us to create job opportunities," Uno, a successful businessman, noted recently.

        Uno remarked that souvenirs produced by MSMEs will cater to the needs and interests of athletes, officials, spectators, and tourists.

GOVERNMENT COORDINATES IMPLEMENTATION OF ASIAN PARA GAMES, ASIAN GAMES by Imam Santoso/Fardah

Jakarta, Dec 31, 2017 (Antara) - The Indonesian Government has been very busy making preparations for the implementation of the 18th Asian Games on Aug 2-Sept 2, 2018, and the Third Asian Para Games on Oct 6-13, 2018.

         The Asian Games will be held in Jakarta and Palembang, South Sumatra Province, and the Asian Para Games will be organized in Jakarta particularly centred in Bung Karno Sport Stadium at Senayan area.

         The Asian Games will be participated in by some 9,500 athletes, 2,500 personnel of the Asian Olympic Council, and 5,500 technical delegates from 45 Asian countries.  At least 3,500 media representatives are expected to cover the Games.

         While, the Asian Para Games will be participated in by around 3,000 differently-abled athletes and 1,000 officials from 43 Asian countries.

         Another difference is that the Asian Games is under the supervision of the Asian Olympic Council (AOC), while the Asian Para Games is under the Asian Paralympic Committee (APC), which is the only official representative of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) in Asia, and the owner of the Para Games in the region.

         The Government began preparations for the Asian Para Games 2018 in March 2017, following the appointment of Raja Sapta Oktohari as chairman of the Indonesian Asian Para Games 2018 Organizing Committee (INAPGOC).

         The chairman of the Indonesian Asian Games 2018 Organizing Committee (INASGOC) is Erick Thohir, a businessman.

2018 ASIAN GAMES EXPECTED TO HAVE LONG-TERM ECONOMIC BENEFITS by Fardah

 Jakarta, Dec 27 , 2017 (Antara)  - Jakarta and the South Sumatran provincial capital of Palembang will co-host the 18th Asian Games from August 18 to September 2, 2018.
        Some 9.5 thousand athletes, 2.5 thousand personnel of the Asian Olympic Council, and 5.5 thousand technical delegates from 45 Asian countries will participate, or be involved in the event. At least 3.5 thousand media representatives are expected to cover the games.
           This is the second time that Indonesia is hosting the Asian Games, the first one was held in Jakarta in 1962.
         For South Sumatra, the largest regional sports event in Asia is expected to provide long-term benefits for the province's economy.
        In accordance, the South Sumatran administration has prepared several plans to boost the province's economy after the Games.
         Hosting the Asian Games 2018 will help improve the local economy in the long-term, Yohanes Toruan, assistant-in-charge of economic affairs in the South Sumatra administration, stated on December 21.
         "Currently, South Sumatra is focusing on preparations for the Asian Games. But, on the other hand, we must also think of what we should do to keep the economy growing even after the Asian Games," he remarked.
            South Sumatra became internationally known after successfully hosting the South East Asian (SEA) Games in 2011, he stated.

TOUR DE INDONESIA TO HELP PROMOTE ASIAN GAMES 2018 by Fardah

 Jakarta, Dec 20, 2017 (Antara) - The Tour de Indonesia (TdI), themed "The Ultimate Race is Back," is a quadrennial international cycling and tourism event to be held early next year.  
  Since last being organized in 2011, the TdI has been revived again by the Indonesian Cycling Federation (PB ISSI) following the Union Cycliste Internationale's (UCI's) decision to upgrade its level from 2.2 to 2.1.

        The upcoming TdI will be organized on January 25-28, 2018, and its official launch was held in Jakarta on December 11, 2017.

       In addition to promoting Indonesia's tourism, the Borobudur-Bali TdI 2018 will help to promote the implementation of the Asian Games and Para Games 2018.          
    "We have lent support. We hope the two major sports events would have synergy with other sporting events," Raja Sapta Oktohari, the PB ISSI chairman, stated, recently.

        Logos and banners of the 18th Asian Games and Para Games will be put up at every venue of the TdI.

        This will be the second time that Indonesia will host the Asian Games, with the first one being held in Jakarta in 1962.

         Some 9,500 athletes; 2,500 personnel of the Asian Olympic Council; and 5,500 technical delegates from 45 countries will participate or be involved in the Asian Games, which will be co-hosted by Jakarta and Palembang in South Sumatra Province from Aug 18 to Sept 2, next year.

        At least 3,500 media representatives are expected to cover the games.

        Furthermore, Indonesia's national cycling team, being trained for the Asian Games 2018, will be tested during the TdI.

MEDIA PLAYS IMPORTANT ROLE IN SUCCESS OF ASIAN GAMES 2018 by Fardah

Jakarta, Dec 16, 2017 (Antara) - After more than five decades, the Asian Games will finally return to Indonesia's capital city of Jakarta, a metropolitan hosting more than 12 million people during the work week.

        Next year, the 18th Asian Games will be co-hosted by Jakarta and Palembang, South Sumatra Province, from Aug 18 to Sept 2. The first and last time Indonesia hosted the Asian Games was in 1962.  
   Some 9,500 athletes, 2,500 personnel of the Asian Olympic Council, and 5,500 technical delegates from 45 countries will participate or be involved in the event. At least 3,500 media representatives are expected to cover it.

        A total of 40 sports, comprising 462 events of 32 Olympic sports and eight non-Olympic sports, will be competed in during the 18th Asian Games.

        For many Indonesians, the largest regional sports event in Asia will be a chance to showcase the country's sporting and economic success. 
    To help promote Indonesia's success stories in general and the implementation of the Games in particular, the government will, among other things, rely on the media, both national and international.   
    Government public relations services across the country and community information groups have expressed readiness to make the four-yearly event a success through traditional, print, electronic, and social media.

JAKARTA INTENSIFIES PROMOTION ACTIVITIES OF ASIAN GAMES 2018 by Fardah

Jakarta, Dec 15, 2017 (Antara) - In less than a year, the 18th Asian Games will be organized in Jakarta and the South Sumatran provincial capital of Palembang, with the participation of thousands of athletes from 45 Asian nations.

         The Asian Games 2018 is the most important event in Jakarta next year, so promotion efforts are being intensified by raising more advertising banners in public areas.

         Some 9,500 athletes, 2,500 personnel of the Asian Olympic Council, and 5,500 technical delegates from 45 countries will participate or be involved in the event. At least 3,500 media representatives are expected to cover it.

         As the co-host of the largest regional sports event in Asia, Jakarta hopes that every Jakartan is aware and proud of the Asian Games, which will run from Aug 18 to Sept 2, 2018.     
    Deputy Governor of Jakarta Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno has instructed his subordinates to promote the Games next year in residential areas of the capital city.

         "We have ordered the provincial administration's apparatus, including those operating at the neighborhood level, to promote the Asian Games," Uno told reporters on Dec 12.

          Intensified promotion is necessary because not every inhabitant of Jakarta is aware of the Asian Games, according to Uno.

          "Based on the monthly survey we conducted, only the middle and upper class are aware of the Asian Games, while the lower-middle class and working class have not felt the impact of the Asian Games," he revealed.

          Ratiyono, head of the Jakarta youth affairs and sports office, confirmed on Dec 13 that the provincial administration would step up promotional efforts in accordance with the governor's instructions. "We are intensifying the promotion of the Asian Games 2018, in cooperation with the Indonesian Asian Games Organizing Committee (INASGOC)," he said.

RENOVATION WORKS OF BUNG KARNO STADIUM NEARLY COMPLETE by Fardah

   Jakarta, Nov 30, 2017 (Antara) - Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati was very pleased and satisfied with the renovation works of Indonesia's largest sports stadium, Bung Karno Stadium, as the works have reached over 90 percent completion.      
   The Bung Karno Stadium, which is located in Senayang, South Jakarta, will be the heart of the implementation of the Asian Games 2018 activities.

        She expressed her relief while inspecting the stadium, which will be the venue of the 18th Asian Games, along with Palembang, the South Sumatran provincial capital.

         The minister admitted that she had been worried about the renovation works, but expressed her satisfaction after witnessing the significant progress of the renovation directly.

          "I have heard that there will be a jogging track on the upper floor of this stadium. It had never existed before. Moreover, the greenery area, which is currently being revitalized, will function as 'the lung of the capital city.' We are certainly pleased," Indrawati remarked, while visiting the stadium, along with Public Works and Public Housing Minister Basuki Hadimuljono, on Nov 23.

         In addition to visiting the main stadium, she also inspected the aquatic stadium and the Istora (literally means sports palace), which are located inside the Bung Karno Stadium complex, along with Erick Thohir, chairman of the Indonesian Asian Games Organizing Committee (INASGOC),.
     The complex has been temporary closed to the public, as massive renovation works have been underway.

         Hadimuljono is optimistic that the renovation works would be completed before Dec 31, 2017.

         "All projects will be completed by Dec 31, except for a parking area and an urban park located in the former driving range golf area," the minister explained.    
    The Asian Games 2018, Asia's biggest sporting event, will be held in Jakarta and Palembang from Aug 18 to Sept 12, 2018.