Cendrawasih Chosen As Asian Games 2018 Logo

Wushu athlete demonstrates a number of motions on the sidelines of the launch of the 2018 Asian Games logo during the commemoration of the top event of the National Sports Day in Senayan, Jakarta. (ANTARA FOTO/M Agung Rajasa/wdy/15)

Jakarta (Antara Bali) - Bird of paradise, popularly known as Cendrawasih in Indonesia, has been chosen as the Asian Games 2018 logo at a launch ceremony during the commemoration of the 32nd National Sports Day in Istora Senayan, Jakarta.

"The logo that we chose is the bird of paradise. We want to ignite the spirit that the Asian Games is not only confined to Jakarta and Palembang but also belongs to all the people of Indonesia. We are trying to give recognition to Cendrawasih as the national symbol of Indonesia in the Asian Games," Youth and Sports Minister Imam Nahrawi stated here on Wednesday night.

The logo depicts the image of a Cendrawasih flapping its wings in hues of green, red, blue, and yellow.

According to Nahrawi, the image of a flying Cendrawasih symbolizes the intention and spirit of Indonesia to excel and surpass other nations in Asia.

However, Nahrawi noted that the government had not yet finalized the mascot for the Asian Games 2018 in Indonesia.

"This is only a soft launch. We will hold (a grand launch) another one as well that will be inaugurated by Mr President in the future. Most likely, it will be held in Monas," he pointed out.

Moreover, in the next three years, Indonesia will host three international events: the 6th TAFISA Indonesia World Sport for All Games 2016 in Jakarta with 110 participating countries, MotoGP 2017 in Sentul, and the 3rd Asian Paragames 2018 in Jakarta and Palembang.

Speaking in connection with the MotoGP 2017 event, Nahrawi explained that they had requested the MotoGP organizers, Dorna Sports, to immediately send a formal letter to the Indonesian government.

Nahrawi had held a discussion with Tourism Minister Arief Yahya about the technicalities specifically related to budgeting for the event. However, they would renegotiate the 7 million euros, or Rp111,19 billion worth contract in collaboration with Dorna.

Furthermore, Indonesia is also facing eligibility issues for its Sentul circuit, which would take about a year to renovate in order to meet the grade 1 standard to become the venue for MotoGP.

"We are still awaiting approval for land to renovate Sentul circuit. We will discuss it again with Dorna when they come to Indonesia. But surely, everything is related to the implementation of the MotoGP 2017 event and should be included in the 2016 planning," he added. (WDY)