Indonesians are known for their hospitality that makes every guest feel at home and happy, and this is expected to be witnessed during the upcoming Asian Para Games in Jakarta on October 6-13, 2018.
The Indonesian Asian Para Games Organizing Committee (INAPGOC) has expressed hope that through the international sporting event of the Asian Para Games, Indonesia will become increasingly known as a country that is friendly to people with disabilities.
INAPGOC Deputy Director of Media and Public Relations Tina Talisa remarked in Jakarta recently that to further introduce Indonesian hospitality to participants from various countries, the organizing committee will work with all parties: government, private, and the public.
INAPGOC is cooperating with all parties to ensure the success of the Asian Para Games to be held for the first time in Indonesia.
Furthermore, Talisa expressed hope that the support from various parties for the Asian Para Games will be able to produce maximum performance from Indonesian Paralympic athletes, who will compete in the international sporting event for people with disabilities.
"We hope that the achievements of Indonesian Paralympic athletes will be an inspiration to all of us in the international arena as well as show the world that Indonesia is a disabled-friendly country," Talisa remarked.
The Asian Para Games will involve the participation of 2,800 athletes from 41 countries, 1,800 officials, and 500 local and foreign media organizations.
As many as 18 sports to be competed in the event are basketball, volleyball, fencing, table tennis, swimming, shooting, judo, cycling, chess, weight lifting, bowling, goal ball, badminton, running, archery, boccia, handball, and tennis.
Hence, the Asian Para Games is a momentum for Indonesian people to give deep respect and praise to their brothers and sisters with disabilities.
The rights of persons with disabilities who will compete in the Asian Para Games must be respected, fulfilled, and protected, as the state protects the rights of other citizens.
During the Asian Para Games torch relay in Denpasar, Bali, on Sunday, Social Affairs Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita remarked that the rights of disabled athletes must be fulfilled and protected during the international sporting event.
The minister then invited the entire community to foster the spirit of concern for the people with disabilities through this Asian Para Games competition.
Kartasasmita said that his side would do everything possible, so that every detail related to facilities at the venue, volunteer officers, and transportation for athletes must meet the requirements for persons with disabilities.
"We want both athletes and spectators with disabilities to feel comfortable during the 2018 Asian Para Games in Jakarta. Hence, coordination with the Asian Para Games Organizing Committee (INAPGOC) and related ministries and institutions continues to be improved," the social affairs minister remarked.
As a mark of appreciation and respect for athletes with disabilities, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has stated that the Asian Para Games athletes, who win medals, will be treated at par with the medalists at the previous Asian Games.
Jokowi said that bonuses to be given to the medalists at the Asian Para Games will be the same as those awarded to medalists at the Asian Games.
The government provided a total of Rp210 billion in bonuses for local athletes and coaches taking part in the 2018 Asian Games and also handed over Rp20 million to each athlete, who was unable to win a medal in the Asian Games.
Each individual gold medalist competing in a singles event during the Asian Games received Rp1.5 billion, Rp1 billion in the doubles event, and Rp750 million in team events.
Each individual silver and bronze medalist competing in a singles event during the Asian Games received Rp500 million and Rp250 million; in the doubles event, Rp400 million and Rp200 million; and in team events, Rp300 million and Rp150 million respectively.
To be fair, similar amount of bonuses in the Asian Games must also be received by Asian Para Games athletes, who win medals.
Preparations for the third Asian Para Games, to be held in Jakarta on Oct 6-13, this year, has reached some 90 percent, Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Imam Nahrawi had stated recently in Solo, Central Java.
Participants are expected to arrive from September 26, 2018, and the Indonesian Asian Para Games Organizing Committee had prepared facilities and personnel to welcome them.
They will be welcomed in a special way, including by providing special facilities for transportation, accommodation, and meals, which will be adjusted in line with the participants` needs.
For accommodation, the government has designed the athlete house in Kemayoran, Jakarta, to meet the standards of an athlete village that can provide comfort for athletes staying there to compete at the Asian Para Games.
This can be seen from the physical appearance of a sturdy structure, precision detail work, and the final touches that set apart the athletes` houses from ordinary flats.
Kemayoran athletes` house, known as Kemayoran Athlete Village, is equipped with open spaces on each floor, meeting rooms, and spaces that are used for sports facilities.
All rooms provided have hot water facilities in each bathroom, in addition to all furniture, such as sofa, television, air conditioning, and other household appliances that have also been provided for athletes and officials.
The Kemayoran Athlete Village is now fully ready for the upcoming Asian Para Games in October, according to the Public Works and Public Housing Ministry.
Developed by the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing and the state-owned residential developer Perum Perumnas, the Kemayoran Athlete Village is for disabled athletes, who will participate in the Asian Para Games.
Editing by Suharto
Reporter: Otniel Tamindael
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
