T

he South Sumatra legislature has approved additional funds to organize the third Islamic Solidarity Games (ISG), which will be held from Sept. 22 to Oct. 1, in Palembang, South Sumatra.

The additional funds were proposed by the South Sumatra chapter National Sports Council (KONI) since the central government would disburse only Rp 80 billion (US$8.4 million) from the initial Rp 200 billion.

South Sumatra legislative council budgetary board member Yuswar Hidayatullah said his office and South Sumatra KONI were still finalizing the details of the funds usage.

'The disbursement of funds is in line with the needs proposed to us by the local organizing committee, in the form of competition venues, such as for archery, and operational funds of the organizer,' Yuswar said recently.

According to South Sumatra KONI head Muddai Madang, thanks to the additional funds, he is convinced that the ISG would be organized successfully, such as that of the 26th SEA Games in Palembang in 2011.

'Frankly, I was earlier worried the ISG would be postponed again. But we are thankful that the President has eventually issued a Presidential Decree and the additional funds from the provincial budget have been approved,' said Muddai.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono signed Presidential Decree No. 23/2013 on adjustment of Presidential Decree No. 15/2012 on national organizing committee of the 3rd Islamic Solidarity Games from 2012 to July 29, 2013.

According to Muddai, the organizers are currently speeding up building and renovating some venues, and recruiting liaison officers and volunteers to help make the ISG a success.

'The organizers needs at least 40 liaison officers for VIPs and 150 regular liaison officers. We also need more than 1,000 volunteers,' said Muddai.

Based on The Jakarta Post's observation, the condition of the former SEA Games venues is still well maintained. The organizers are currently sprucing up and repainting the venues and replacing the grass at the Bumi Sriwijaya Stadium which will also be used for the event, apart from the Gelora Jakabaring main stadium.

As many as 13 events will be contested in the ISG ' soccer, swimming, athletics, weightlifting, archery, tennis, badminton, beach volleyball, taekwondo and karate. Volleyball, basketball and wushu will be held outside the Jakabaring Sport City.

The ISG was earlier scheduled to be held in Riau from June 9 to 17, but was postponed to Sept. 22 to Oct. 1 this year. The delay was due to the unprepared condition of the venues.

Besides that, Riau Governor Rusli Zainal has been named as a suspect and held for alleged misappropriation of funds in the 28th National Games in Riau. The Youth and Sports minister then decided to postpone the 3rd ISG from Sept. 22 to Oct. 1 to Jakarta.

However, the second plan was also canceled because it had not been approved by the coordinating minister for people's welfare, who eventually approved it be hosted by Palembang.

Palembang residents warm welcome the appointment their city as the event's host. Indonesia Restaurant and Hotel Association head Herlan Asfiudin said hotels in Palembang were ready to greet delegations from participating countries in the ISG.

'We positively welcome the arrival of delegations to Palembang. Hopefully, their presence would further spur the hotel industry in the city,' said Herlan.

Palembang, he said, is currently home to hundreds of hotels ready to accommodate the delegations, made up of two five-star, five four-star, nine three-star, 11 two-star and seven one-star hotels.

Handicraft traders at the Pasar Kito market also expressed their support. 'We hope our sales would rise such as during the past Sea Games,' said Wil Elmi, 46, who sells the Palembang songket fabric.