Indonesia on Friday was busy preparing to host the 18th Asian Games to be held from today to 2nd September 2018. The games will take place simultaneously in Jakarta, capital of Indonesia and Palembang, capital of the province of South Sumatra, so as to accommodate all branches of sports.
Originally scheduled to be hosted by Vietnam in Hanoi, the country withdrew its bid, based on economic considerations. Hereupon, Indonesia offered to hold the 18th Asian Games in Indonesia, but has asked to move the date forward to 2018, since 2019 is Indonesia’s General Elections year. This will be the second time that Indonesia hosts the Asian Games. The first one was held in Jakarta in 1962, under President Soekarno.
At the 33rd Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) General Assembly was held at the Songdo Convensia, South Korea in 2014, Indonesia was officially assigned Host City for the 18th Asian Games in 2018. This will be the first time that the Asian Games will be held in two cities: Jakarta and Palembang. HH Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah, OCA President explained that Indonesia wished to host the 18th Asian Games in 2018 rather than in 2019, because of Indonesia’s General Elections in 2019. Both cities of Jakarta and Palembang have met all OCA’s venue requirements for hosting the upcoming events that are able to welcome around 15,000 athletes and distinguished delegations from 45 OCA member nations.
Jakarta is doing its utmost to provide better facilities for the upcoming Asian Games, with the brand new construction of three key infrastructures: the LRT, the Velodrome and a certified Equestrian Centre. Vice President, Jusuf Kalla, has recently inspected their development and was pleased with their progress so far. Meanwhile, Palembang has enhanced the Jakabaring Sriwijaya stadium from its current 23,419 bench capacity, to upgraded fittings of 40,000 spectator benches for spectators.
The Logo for the 18th Asian Games is a colorful circle taken from the shape of the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, and named the Energy of Asia, depicting the strengthening spirit of the Games, participated by multicultural nations shining for all the world to see.
The 18th Asian Games also introduces three mascots namely Bhin Bhin, Atung and Kaka. The mascots represent three aspects of these competitive games, being: Strategy, Speed and Strength. Each mascot wears special attire inspired by the traditional textiles from Papua, Jakarta and Palembang. Bhin Bhin comes in the image of the Cendrawasih or Bird of Paradise (mainly found in Papua), Atung is a Bawean Deer, symbol of speed, and Kaka is a Rhino representing strength.
