Jokowi Calls for Optimal Utilization of Asian Games Budget

"Our todays meeting will discuss preparations for the Asian Games and Asian Para Games 2018. We will focus on the budgets utilization for these sporting events," Jokowi stated here in his opening speech during a limited meeting on Wednesday.

The president also urged ministries and companies that are constructing facilities for the Asian Games to utilize the budget efficiently and transparently.

Jokowi called on all related parties involved in the construction projects for the Asian Games to not inflate the projects budget.

"I want the budget to be calculated properly in detail," he said, adding that the construction must be completed on schedule.

The head of state said all institutions involved in the construction work for hosting the Asian Games should manage the finances transparently and demonstrate good governance.

The Asian Games 2018 are the nations pride, Jokowi emphasized.

"It could boost our name in the international community," Jokowi remarked.

The Jakarta government has been appointed to host the upcoming 2018 Asian Games and to build two sporting venues: an equestrian arena and a velodrome.

Moreover, the administration is constructing the Mass Rapid Transit and Light Rail Transit (LRT) transportation projects to become operational in 2018 and the airport commuter railway system.

Nine state companies are collaborating for the development of the LRT project in the Greater Jakarta area.

Synergy between state companies is needed for the development of land, financing, construction, and operations to create added value, both for the corporations and the people.(*)