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Security, not Zika, Indonesia’s top Olympics concern
The Zika virus is not stopping the Indonesian contingent from flying to Rio de Janeiro to compete in the Summer Olympics
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The Zika virus is not stopping the Indonesian contingent from flying to Rio de Janeiro to compete in the Summer Olympics. Security, however, has raised concerns.
Chef de mission Raja Sapta Oktohari said security concerned him the most, not the mosquito-borne virus.
“I personally think security is a bigger problem than social, political or health-related problems,” Raja told journalists on Friday on the sidelines of the unveiling of Indonesia’s official attire for the Olympics’ opening ceremony.
The Indonesian contingent will depart in groups, with the main group leaving on July 27.
Raja’s main policy regarding security is to stay alert.
Raja said he had ordered athletes to remain in the athletes’ village.
“If they need to go somewhere, they must get clearance from me and they will be accompanied by officials,” said Raja.
Raja has banned athletes and officials from wandering around, especially to Rio’s northern slums, known as favelas.
The chef de mission has also ensured that the Indonesian defense attaché in Brazil would provide extra hands to keep the country’s contingent safe.
AFP reported 2,083 murders had taken place in Rio in the first five months of the year, up 14 percent from the same period last year. There has been a steep increase in muggings, while carjackings are on the rise.
Last month, 20 armed men shot their way into a central Rio hospital to rescue a detained drug boss nicknamed Fat Family. Police have reportedly killed nine people in the brutal ensuing manhunt, but the fugitive remains at large.
Raja said the 28 athletes would be accompanied by an adequate number of officials.
“We will have 28 [athletes] and 15 accredited officials with us,” he said.
Indonesia is allowed to have 15 accredited officials (coaches, a chef de mission and his two assistants, medical doctors and massage therapists). They are allowed to stay in the athletes’ village.
“Most importantly, an athlete in each event will be accompanied by a coach,” said Okto.
With the quota of accredited officials, transferable IDs will be used for his subordinates, including his assistant, medical doctors and massage therapists.
Those with transferable IDs will work in two shifts, following athletes as they check in and out of Rio on different dates.
The country is also allowed to deploy non-accredited officials, whose numbers may vary depending on requirements, with authorities to handle local transportation, accommodation and meals, among other arrangements.
The non-accredited officials will get access to athletes’ village and sports venues with daily passes.
Indonesia has pocketed the 28 tickets — three from wild cards — to Rio from archery, badminton, cycling (BMX), rowing, track and field, swimming and weightlifting.
