Miangas, N Sulawesi (ANTARA News) - Youth and Sports Minister Roy Suryo has hinted that Islamic Solidarity Games (ISG) will be held in Jakarta.

"It is almost certain the event will be held in Jakarta. We are now awaiting for a presidential decree to that effect," he said on the sidelines of the ceremony marking the 105th National Awakening Day in Miangas island, North Sulawesi, on Monday.

The presidential decree will contain among others a change in timeline and venue of the event which was originally planned to take place in Riau, he said.

The decree will be issued in not so distant future, he said.

"There is a little bit coordination at the level of the Coordinating Ministry for People`s Welfare. He (Coordinating Minister for People`s Welfare Agung Laksono) is very wise and does not want to hurt the public," he said.

Roy said the pros and cons over the change in the venue of ISG from Riau to Jakarta can be resolved by holding the event in the two provinces.

However, the sports branches to be held Riau must not take place in problematic venue, he said.

"There will be other option. Part of the event will be held in Jakarta and the other part in Pekanbaru (Riau) as a mark of appreciation for the Riau people who have made preparations for the ISG. However, the event in Riau must not be held in problematic venue," he said.

The ISG which was originally scheduled for June 6-17 will be held from September 22 to October 1. The postponement is apparently because the venue of the ISG in Riau which was previously used for the National Sports Week last year still lacks many facilities, he said.

Reporting by Monalisa


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Editor: Suryanto
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