"So far, Indonesia has never even participated in the bidding process but this time, we feel confident to host the international sport event," Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Andi Mallarangeng said.
Beijing (ANTARA News) - Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Andi Mallarangeng has expressed optimism that Indonesia will be chosen as the host of the 2019 Asian Games.

"So far, Indonesia has never even participated in the bidding process but this time, we feel confident to host the international sport event," he told ANTARA here on Thursday.

Mallarangeng and East Java Governor Soekarwo attended a meeting of the Olympic Committee of Asia (OCA) in Macau today, in which the host of the event will be decided.

"The Committee has shortlisted three cities that could host the 2019 Asian Games, namely Surabaya, Dubai and Hanoi," the minister said.

"The government has chosen Surabaya city to be the next host of the Asian Games in Indonesia," Mallarangeng stated.

The host of the Asian Games will be decided through a vote process involving 45 members of the OCA.

Six Indonesian representatives attended the OCA meeting in order to promote Surabaya city as a suitable host for the event.

"Representatives from all the competing countries will explain their city`s advantages and readiness in terms of the available venues, infrastructure, as well as financial management," Mallarangeng explained.

"The government will take all necessary steps to ensure the success of the event if Indonesia is chosen to host it," he said.

"We will leave no stone unturned. There are seven years to work on the project," the minister stated.

Meanwhile, Soekarwo said the local government would also make every effort to suitably prepare Surabaya as the host of the 2019 Asian Games.

"Earlier, Indonesia's bid for the 2006 games faltered after Doha, Qatar, was chosen as the host," he noted.

"However, Indonesia had hosted Asian Games IV in 1962 in Jakarta. President Soekarno had then built the Gelora Bung Karno sport venue, Hotel Indonesia, and Sarinah Mall for the event," Soekarwo added. (*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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