We are ready, it`s not a problem.Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Jakarta Governor Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has hailed a plan to hold the Islamic Solidarity Games (ISG) in Jakarta, September 22 to October 1, 2013.
"We are ready, it`s not a problem. We have often organized similar events. This is a trust that the government has given us. So, this is for the national interest," Jokowi said here on Tuesday.
Jakarta is ready to allocate additional funds for the implementation of ISG, he said.
"However, so far, and Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Roy Suryo and I have calculated that the funds for the ISG are adequate," he said.
Minister Roy Suryo went to the governor`s office to discuss about the moving of the ISG`s venue from Pekanbaru (Riau Province) to Jakarta.
"I asked for the governor`s permission to hold the ISG in Jakarta. We are grateful to the Jakarta administration for approving the plan," Roy Suryo stated.
The venue of ISG has to be moved because the facilities in Pekanbaru are not adequate and do not meet the international standards, he explained.
The Islamic Solidarity Sport Federation (ISSF) has event expressed their objection if the game is held in Pekanbaru. They consider Pakanbaru not ready for such an event," he added.
In addition to the facility problem, another obstacle came from the fact that Riau Govenor Rusli Zainal has been named a graft suspect by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).
"Therefore, to save the event and fix the image of this nation in the international eyes, we have taken the initiative to move the venue to Jakarta and postpone the ISG implementation," the minister said.
The Islamic Solidarity Games was initially to be organized in Pekanbaru, Riau, on June 6-2, 2013. But, because of some problems, it will be moved to Jakarta, and be held on September 22-October 1, 2013.
(Uu.F001/O001)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
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