Speaking at a press conference, Coordinating Economic Minister Sofyan Djalil said a Cabinet meeting led by President Jokowi on Monday decided that Indonesia must make early preparations following its recent appointment as host of the 2018 Asian Games.

'We need to make early preparations ahead of the Asian Games, including by preparing our athletes, [sport] venues, organizing committees and any other thing,' Sofyan said.

'We are expecting to be a good host for the 2018 [Asian Games].'

In September, a month before Jokowi's inauguration as the country's seventh president, the Olympic Council of Asia's (OCA) General Assembly appointed Indonesia as host of the 2018 Asian Games. It replaced Vietnam, which had been selected in the 2012 vote but decided in April this year to withdraw because of funding issues.

Indonesia hosted the multi-sport event back in 1962.

Previously, Indonesian Olympic Committee (KOI) head Rita Subowo said the official name for the event would be the 2018 Jakarta Asian Games with Palembang, South Sumatra, being the co-host for some sports.

This year, Indonesia sent 188 athletes to the 17th Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea, to compete in 23 of the 36 events.

Indonesia took home four gold, five silver and 11 bronze medals to finish 17th among 45 participating countries. The delegation initially aimed to return with nine gold medals. (nfo)(+++)

Popular

Indonesian hotel chain confirms exit from Cuba

Femicide persists as women face systemic neglect 

Health Ministry to push regulation on tobacco plain packaging