Makassar (ANTARA News) - Vice President of Indonesia Jusuf Kalla (JK) said there were 16 helicopters ready to be deployed to overcome the fires and smoke in South Sumatra for the smooth running of the 2018 Asian Games in Palembang.

The 16 helicopters will be tasked with extinguishing the fires with water bombs for the successful implementation of the largest multi-event sports event in Asia.

"In South Sumatra, 16 helicopters have been prepared to deal with smoke. God willing, the event will be safe," Kalla noted at the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) National Working Meeting in Makassar on Saturday.

The government continues to focus on preparing itself for the successful implementation of the Asian Games to be held in Jakarta and Palembang from 18 August to 2 September 2018.

"About 16 helicopters have been prepared," Kalla stated, before leaving the ITB National Working Meeting with the theme "From East Indonesia to Rise into a Winning Nation."

Meanwhile, South Sulawesi Province is proud to be able to contribute to as many as 17 of its best athletes to strengthen the national team at the Asian Games in Jakarta and Palembang, South Sumatra.

Chairperson of the National Sports Committee (KONI) of South Sumatra Ellong Tjandra remarked in Makassar on Friday that the selection of dozens of athletes, representing nine sports from South Sulawesi who could enter the Indonesian national team at the event of the four-year multi-event Asian nations, is certainly due to the quality and potential to liven up the achievement.

"The feeling of pride is something certain, because it is not easy to enter the Asian Games national team. Strong stamina, hard work, achievement, and experience are required," Tjandra stated.
Editing by Eliswan, Sri Haryati

Reporter: Antara
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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