South Sumatera is proud of JSC

H Alex Noerdin SH, Gubernur Sumsel

The existence of Jakabaring Sport City (JSC) in Palembang becomes a pride for South Sumatra province. Moreover, the existence and its naming inaugurated by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY).

“It’s not easy to achieve this. We could finish all the venues in less than a year. Therefore JSC becomes the pride of South Sumatra, “said the Governor of South Sumatra, H Alex Noerdin SH, yesterday.

The regulation confirming that South Sumatra (Palembang) and Jakarta become the host eliminating two other provinces, West Java and Central Java has just been released in October 2010. Since then, South Sumatra is struggling to start collecting funds to build 11 new venues needed to hold the match.

According to Alex, South Sumatra has not only constructed new venues, but also some other supporting facilities, such as the Water Treatment Plant (WTP) allowing the water flows directly into any venues at JSC and can be drunk directly. Afterward, there are also Sport Science Center (SSC) and Athlete Village that can accommodate more than 2000 athletes including its dinning hall.

“We manifest everything in a single area of 325 hectares. It used to be a swamp area, and then we built it into Eco- green modern concept. We can finish it in tight time. One of the advantages is the whole building is owned by South Sumatra,” Alex explained. All of the installed equipment in the venues is international standard, including the structure of the building.

Since the beginning of the construction until finishing of the entire venues at JSC, it can not be separated from the constraints and challenges. Indeed, not everyone supports this kind of effort having only spirit and confidence of the Governor of South Sumatra and his liegemen to hold the SEA Games in Palembang. As time goes by, various criticism and cons from the various parties keep on coming, one after another.

There were critics from mass media and doubt of most community to the progress of all SEA Games venues. “However, we keep on struggling and believing that everything will be done before SEA Games opening,” said Alex. The raining was also another problem in the beginning of the construction .

Then, the delay of pillar sending from Surabaya suspended in the Merak Harbour and also scarcity of cement became the causes of the lateness. Moreover, the fund from the regional income and outcome budget (APBN) was delayed. Even, three venues (athletic stadiums, shooting area and aquatic center) requiring additional funding of about 200 billion was not granted.

Finally, right before the finishing of physical progress, unexpectedly, dry season came so some grass and trees which are planted in order to support a green open space (RTH) program in the area of 325 hectares are faded. “We even have to ask for help from central government to get artificial rain. And last, we also prepared to divert the rain to the outside of Jakabaring area in order to make the Opening Ceremony SEA Games at Jakabaring runs smoothly. So we expects appreciation from all for what we have done, “he added.

To get the fund, South Sumatera government tried hard by asking help from entrepreneurs, State-own Enterprises (BUMN), Regionally-owned Enterprises (BUMD), foreign and domestic private companies, to World Bank. The funds gathered are in the form of CSR grant fund, investment, regular assistance, or BOT (Built Operate Transfer)

So if we calculated, from their own effort, government (pemprov) is successful to earn around Rp1, 6 trillion. Support from central government for the venues itself was around Rp500 billion and few from South Sumatera Regional income and outcome budget 2011. It was getting worse because of the delays of funds from central and a polemic of the construction company would be, caused almost seven venues were late and not completed.

“Thank God, now everything is done as we can see. We can get a relief. Then, we hope the opening will be successful and Indonesian Athletes achieve their best performance by becoming the overall champion, “said Alex. Related to the lack of hotel to stay, South Sumatra Governor said there are actually seven newly built hotels.

However, three of them are not finished yet. So it can`t be a place to stay for the participants and guests of SEA Games. But at least, the addition of four hotels has helped the accommodations. “We also get ships which have so many rooms from Pelni, Artha Graha and KRI. So, the available rooms are more than enough, “he said.

The issue of unfinished Meubler of Atheletes Village, Alex said it was not the fault of South Sumatra and the Regional Committee. But he doesn`t want to explain this issue clearly because he doesn`t want to offend the others who have responsibility of this. But now everything is ready.

“It means that the regional can be like Jakarta if we are given the same opportunity. And South Sumatra has proved it. So if he is asked whether we are ready, South Sumatra is ready, “said Alex. Next plan, JSC will not be allowed just like former-asset of PON XVI 2004. Said Alex, President SBY asked this sports complex be The Training Centre of National Athletes and even in South East Asia regional. To support that, South Sumatra provincial government will ensure to build Sport Institute with all students boarding class full. “We are going to build next year. It becomes the first in Indonesia, with expectation in 2013 it can accept new students, “he said.

For the JSC itself, it will be managed professionally. South Sumatera government plans to engage private companies in managing this. This area will be turned on so it can earn money for maintenance and others. “RTH in this area, including a jogging track and its natural beauty become special attractions for people to visit Jakabaring,” added Alex. (46)

SUMBER : Sumatera Ekspres, Jumat, 11 November 2011