Jakarta, Aug 2 (ANTARA News) - President Joko Widodo took a walk around Jakarta`s main Sudirman -Thamrin Street here on Thursday afternoon to check the infrastructure project there, ahead of the 18th Asian Games 2018 scheduled in Jakarta and Palembang from Aug 18 to Sept 2.

"Yes, we are checking the readiness, especially the city infrastructure, such as pedestrians crossing, cleanliness of the city, as well as the venues at Bung Karno stadium," he said in a meeting in front of Hotel Pullman on Thamrin street.

He checked the pedestrian and Pelican crossings as well as the Asian Games 2018 decorations at Hotel Indonesia roundabout.

He stated that all infrastructure projects have been close to completion. "We have seen them, and we can say that they have all been finished," he remarked.

Besides checking the venues, Jokowi would also check the readiness of athletes competing in the event.

"Starting tomorrow, I will check the readiness of the athletes. I hope they all are ready to compete on Aug 18," he noted.

Indonesia has set a target of entering the biggest 10 in the event by collecting 16 gold medals on a minimum.

To motivate the athletes, the Indonesian government has pledged around US$100 thousand, or Rp1.5 billion, for each gold medalist.

"This bonus will be the highest in the history of Asian Games," Indonesian Sports Minister Imam Nahrawi revealed.

The four-yearly biggest Asian sporting event will be attended by athletes from 45 countries, who will compete in 463 disciplines from 40 sport branches.

Jokowi plans to inaugurate a number of new venues for the event this week.

Reported by Bayu Prasetyo
Edited by Budi Setiawanto

Reporter: Bayu Prasetyo
Editor: Budi Setiawanto
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