Indonesia Ready to Host 2018 Asian Para Games

Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture and other Related Ministers, also Chief of INAPGOC at the Media Briefing event for Asian Para Games 2018 at Heritage room of Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture, Jakarta, Thursday (10/4). (Photo: Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture)

Although Indonesia is in the throes of evacuation and rescue efforts following the twin disasters that hit Central Sulawesi province, the Government said that the preparation to host the 2018 Asian Para Games, which is set to be held from 6 -15 October, is still under way.

“The progress of the preparation is already 100 percent.  Insyaallah, we are ready to host Asian Para Games. Venues, transportation, accommodations, athlete village (para village), security measures, match preparations, have all been prepared by the committee with the support from related ministries and institutions,” Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Puan Maharani said at the opening of the 2018 Asian Para Games Media Briefing in Jakarta, Thursday (10/4).

“43 nations with 2,832 athletes and 1,826 officials will participate at the 2018 Asian Para Games. It will be covered by 1,151 medias, and supported by 13,000 volunteers,” she added.

The Minister also urged the media and journalists to promote the Games.

Commenting on the recent quake and the tsunami that hit Central Sulawesi province, Puan said that the Government has taken steps for the post-quake and post-tsunami relief as well as to rescue and evacuate the people affected by the disasters.

She also expressed belief that with the spirit of the nation, the spirit of gotong-royong (mutual cooperation), and support from friendly countries, the Indonesian people can quickly recover. She added that President Jokowi and a number of ministers have already visited the province to ensure that rescue and evacuation efforts are well implemented.

“We all share the profound sorrow and sadness of our brothers and sisters affected by the disasters,” she added.

For the record, the 2018 Asian Para Games will present 18 sporting events with 531 competitions in total. As many as 19 venues, including 8 venues at the GBK, 10 venues in several locations in Jakarta, and 1 venue in Sentul Bogor, are ready for this sporting event. (Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture/EN)(HYP/EP/Naster)