Is It Beneficial for Indonesia to Host The

Asian Games?

Asian Games is the biggest multi-sport

event held every four years among athletes from
all over Asia. This event had been going for
decades from one country to another in Asia and
now it’s time for Indonesia to host this one of the
biggest multi-sport event in the world that take
place in Jakarta and Palembang. But we wonder
whether hosting such events would be beneficial
for the country’s social and economic progress.
On this, let’s discuss the various the positive
aspects of having international sporting like the
Asian Games for the country.

If Indonesia were to successfully host the

Asian Games, it will arguably boost the country’s
brand. There will be great publications across
many countries in Asia. These international
publications can serve as a soft promotion tool
that will enhance the reputation and positive
image of Indonesia to the world. Regarding
national branding, the government is aimed at
promoting some of the unique animals of the
country through the mascots. Throughout the
sporting event, Indonesia wants the rest of the
world to see how diverse, beautiful and unique
Indonesia really is.

If the 2018 Asian Games runs smoothly

and successfully, it will no doubt boost tourism in
Indonesia, which in the long run will positively
impact the economy of the country. There will be
visitors, be it athletes, guests of honors and
spectators, from the participating countries
coming to Indonesia and enjoying the games. It is
also likely that there will be visitors from non-
participating countries who are interested in
watching the games. Indonesia has been
promoting its unrivalled natural beauty. This
effort is expected to generate fruitful results when
the Asian Games takes place. Visitors will,
hopefully, visit other regions across the
archipelago to marvel at their beauties and admire
the unique culture of the locals.

Still from the economical stand point,

Indonesia, particularly the regions holding the
events (South Sumatra and Jakarta), will
hopefully benefit from increased business
opportunities. The government is planning to
organize business seminars and special events
that showcase the creations of the locals during
the Asian Games. It is hoped that by attending the
seminars and exhibitions, the locals can show
their creativity, which will attract investors to
invest or enterpreneurs to form business
collaboration with the locals.

Rapid infrastructure is one of the benefits

if this event run smoothly. This benefit is
definitely enjoyed by both cities, especially
Palembang. For example, the biggest
infrastructure development in Palembang is the
Light Rail Transit (LRT) is under construction
and the construction is expected to be completed
before the Asian Games takes place. After the
event ends, the residents of Palembang can enjoy
taking the LRT to commute.

Socially, hosting such international event

is expected to boost the morale of the people. For
instance, the Asian Games may induce a change
in the people’s lifestyle. Through the games, the
government may want to encourage people to
have a healthier lifestyle by encouraging them to
walk or bike to work instead of driving cars.

Nonetheless, despite the fact that the

Indonesian government budgeted tremendous
amount of money, reportedly Rp. 30 trillion, for
this multinational event, it is best not to not only
ponder about the immediate short-term effect. In
other words, we have to also consider the
potential long term effects, including the potential
benefits and downsides that this event could bring
in the future.

Bella Rafti Oktavia, XII IPS 1