Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The Indonesian Asian Games Organizing Committee (INASGOC) is focusing on preparations for three activities of the 2018 Asian Games.

"The activities that we are preparing for 2018 include competition services, opening and closing ceremonies, and sport arenas," Erick Thohir, INASGOC chairman, stated here on Monday evening.

Representatives of the Asian Olympic Council (OCA) hold weekly meeting with coordinators of sports events for next years` Asian Games to ensure smooth implementation of the Games.

Beginning January 2018, INASGOC will hold bi-weekly meetings to discuss preparations for the opening and closing ceremonies.

"We have already had the concept and plans that have been agreed during a cabinet meeting at the Bogor Palace. But, the opening and closing ceremonies will be announced by the president," he remarked.

The opening and closing ceremonies of the Asian Games 2018 will cost around US$40 to 50 million, or half of the budget of the opening and closing ceremonies of Rio Olympic 2016.

INASGOC Secretary General Eris Herryanto has stated that several contracts on sport arena have been signed, among other things, for the International Broadcasting Center (IBC) and Media Center through down payment to the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC) in Senayan.

"We have to make contracts on arena reserves so that they would not be rented to others," he revealed.

The organizing committee has also reserved the area of the Jakarta International Expo in Kemayoran and several hotels located around the Bung Karno sport stadium.

INASGOC has also established coordination with the foreign ministry regarding visa arrangement.

The Asian Games 2018, Asia`s biggest sporting event, will be held in Jakarta and Palembang from Aug 18 to Sept 12, 2018.

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 the event.

reported by Imam Santoso
(T.SYS/A/KR-BSR/A014)

Reporter: antara
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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