TANGERANG, 17 September 2023 – Indonesia hosted a ceremony to launch its ASEAN Sports Zone situated at Situ Cipondoh, Tangerang, right in front of the natural lake of Situ Cipondoh. The ceremony was attended by Deputy for Youth Development of the Indonesian Ministry of Youth and Sports Dr. Raden Isnanta and representatives from relevant government agencies in Banten Province and Tangerang City.
The ASEAN Sports Zones initiative is supported by the Government of the People’s Republic of China through the ASEAN-China Cooperation Fund with technical expertise and equipment procurement by China’s Sport International Co. Ltd.
In his remarks, Dr. Isnanta, in his capacity as Leader of SOMS Indonesia, stated that ASEAN Sport Zones represent an embodiment of openness, safety, and accessibility to perform physical activities for all members of respective communities. He is hopeful that the designated zone will serve as vibrant hubs of activity for local communities, encapsulating the values of healthy lifestyle, unity and communal engagement.
Iswan Taufik, Secretary of Banten Province Public Works and Spatial Planning Service, praised ASEAN and China for such initiative and welcomed further cooperation for Tangerang in fostering healthier lifestyle for its people and also building connections with China and other ASEAN Member States.
ASEAN Secretariat, in cooperation with China, is endeavoring to promote a healthy lifestyle and active aging while strengthening cooperation in sports through the establishment of ASEAN Sport Zones. This key initiative provides local communities with outdoor fitness equipment in ASEAN Member States, with Cambodia and Indonesia selected as pilot countries in light of their chairmanship in 2022 and 2023, respectively.
The collaborative action will resume with Phase 2 tentatively scheduled for the final quarter of 2023 with the participation of three to four member states.
The ASEAN Sport Zones aspire to host community sports activities that celebrate healthy lifestyle and the spirit of commonality. It is envisioned that the next launch of the sports zones will coincide with significant occasions such as ASEAN Day and China National Fitness Day to exemplify harmonious collaboration and shared values among the communities in both ASEAN and China.
Source : ASEAN