Jakarta "is set to be named as the new host city for the 2018 Asian Games after Vietnam withdrew earlier this year from hosting the multi-sports event," according to Greg Stutchbury of REUTERS. Olympic Council of Asia VP Wei Jizhong met Indonesian government officials in Jakarta this week and said that "he had been impressed with the state of facilities and infrastructure in the city." Wei said, "After two inspections by me on behalf of the OCA, we consider Jakarta is almost ready to host the 2018 Asian Games." The South Sumatra city of Palembang "would co-host the event with the capital," though Wei said that if "Jakarta would be the official host then it would need to name Palembang as co-host." Indonesia's Surabaya "had bid for the 2018 event but lost to the Vietnamese capital Hanoi in November 2012." Vietnam's government "decided against hosting the event in April this year citing the costs of building facilities and infrastructure." The OCA will name the new hosts on Sept. 20 at its general assembly "during this year's Asian Games in South Korea" (REUTERS, 8/9).
