S sumatra hopes for growth in local economy after asian games

Palembang, S Sumatra (Antaranews Sumsel) - The South Sumatran administration has prepared a plan to boost the province`s economy after the implementation of the 18th Asian Games.

The Asian Games 2018 is expected to significantly improve the local economy in the long term, Yohanes Toruan, assistant-in-charge of economic affairs to the South Sumatra administration, stated here on Thursday.

"Currently, South Sumatra is focusing on the implementation of the Asian Games. But, on the other hand, we must also think of what we should do to keep the economy growing even after the Asian Games," he remarked.

South Sumatra was internationally well-known after successfully hosting the SEA Games in 2011, he remarked.

The SEA Games had contributed to a significant growth of the province`s economy, he noted.

The regional budget of South Sumatra has increased from Rp2.7 trillion in 2011 to Rp7.8 trillion in 2017, he added.

He hoped that the upcoming Asian Games would give a similar boost to the province`s economy.

"Currently, investors have come to South Sumatra for the Asian Games. Of course, when they come, they will also see other sectors. If they find it to be promising, they will certainly invest their money here," he explained.

South Sumatra has a high potential for rubber plantation and cattle breeding, he stated.

In 2016, the economic growth rate of South Sumatra was 5.03 percent, slightly higher than the national economic growth at 5.02 percent, according to data of the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS).

The South Sumatran provincial capital of Palembang and Jakarta will co-host the 18th Asian Games from Aug 18 to Sept 2, 2018.

The largest sport event in Asia will be participated in by thousands of athletes from 45 Asian nations.

The central government has intensified the construction of various infrastructure and facilities in the two cities in preparations for the Asian Games.
reported by Dolly Rosana (f001/INE)