Indonesia 'Prepared' to Host the Olympics, Competing Against Qatar

TheIndonesia.id - The National Olympic Committee (KOI) said Indonesia is ready to compete against Qatar to host the Olympic Games in 2036 as it continues preparation to join the bid.

Chair of KOI Raja Sapta Oktohari said Indonesia is ready to enter competition with Qatar to host the international multi-sport events. Previously, during the G20 summit in Bali last month, President Joko Widodo had also communicated Indonesia’s intention to the president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Thomas Bach.

"We have a good relationship with Qatar, and we don't see this as a competition. We are both preparing ourselves because the Olympics is not a permanent event [that will only be held in one country], meaning there will be the 2036, 2040 Olympics, and so on," Oktohari said on Thursday, December 22, as reported by Antara.

“However, in terms of preparation, Indonesia is probably more prepared because we’ve held a couple of international events before. Indonesia is always ready—also financially because we are a G20 country,” he continued.

The chair also said there’s a plan to involve IOC in the development of 2036 Olympics infrastructures and facilities in new capital Nusantara, so everything can be in accordance with existing regulations and standards.

"This is our way to bind [IOC] so that they are involved from the start in preparing the facilities and infrastructures for the 2036 Olympics," Oktohari said.

In November, President Jokowi announced Indonesia’s preparedness to host the Olympics while proposing Nusantara to be host city.

“On this occasion, I convey Indonesia’s readiness to host the 2036 Olympics in capital city Nusantara,” he said, as reported by Antara on November 16.