REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, PALEMBANG -- The construction of the Jakabaring Sports Complex in Palembang, South Sumatra, has been completed along with the Jakabaring Mall.
The mall is part of efforts to allow residents, particularly those in the Seberang Ulu region, to shop, an official said.
While inaugurating the Jakabaring Mall here on Thursday, Mayor of Palembang Edwar Juliarta said that some 3,000 workers were employed to operate the shopping center.
Athletes participating in the 17th ASEAN University Games (POM ASEAN), who are currently competing in the Jakabaring Sports Complex, can relax and indulge in some retail therapy at the mall during their stay in Palembang, Juliarta stated.
POM ASEAN, which began on December 10 and will go on till December 21, will include 20 sports such as martial arts, swimming, volleyball, basketball, table tennis, archery, football, and sepak takraw.
POM ASEAN was opened by Vice President Jusuf Kalla on Wednesday night.
Kalla noted that the 17th ASEAN University Games can serve as a cohesive power and unite the ASEAN community.
"Through POM ASEAN, students from the ASEAN region, as future leaders of their respective countries, can establish closer relations," he affirmed.
The vice president also pointed out that the youths from the 11 ASEAN countries could establish friendship to ease the implementation of the ASEAN Economic Community 2015 (AEC-2015).
He explained that with the implementation of the AEC-2015, boundaries hampering community activities in the ASEAN region will no longer exist.
"Indonesia belongs to all people of ASEAN. Together, let us promote the development of regional economy to achieve common prosperity," the vice president remarked.
He added that the "One Heart, One ASEAN" motto of the students' sports event in Southeast Asia, which is held every two years, should be implanted in the hearts of all participants.
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