REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Vice President Jusuf Kalla (JK) said Sentiong River or widely known as Kali Item located near Athlete Housing Complex in Kemayoran, North Jakarta, was no longer stinky. To emphasize his statement, he did not hesitate to eat banana on the side of Kali Item.

"Do you smell something bad? I only smell the banana, so we know the fact now," he told the reporters on Friday (Aug 3).

According to Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan, JK asked to be accompanied to visit Kali Sentiong. JK was curious about the river since installation of nets to cover Kali Item by Jakarta Provincial Government has been widely criticized as they doubted it would be effective to reduce the smell.

"Yes, Pak (Sir). It does not smell bad, but it stays smell only in social media," Anies said responding to JK's question.

Aerial view of Athlete Housing Complex in Kemayoran, North Jakarta.

JK was accompanied by Anies, Public Works and Public Housing Minister Basuki Hadimuljono, and Asian Games 2018 Organizing Committee (INASGOC) chief Erick Thohir in inspecting the river and Athlete Housing Complex in Kemayoran.

After inspecting Athlete Housing Complex in Kemayoran, JK visited athletic national and aquatic venues at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium (GBK) Senayan. He also reviewed custom properties workshop to be used in the opening of 2018 Asian Games in next August 18.

JK also held coordination meeting at GBK. The Committee only has 14 days left before the opening of 2018 Asian Games. Government has guaranteed the venues and facilities are ready to use.

Earlier, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) monitored preparation of sidewalks at Jenderal Soedriman street. He also checked pelican crossing that was made to replace pedestrian bridge around Hotel Indonesia (HI) roundabout.

Later, Jokowi would review preparation of athletes who will take part in competition. He asserted the medal target would not change, which is the top 10 standings.

In addition, Jokowi confirmed facilities and venues preparation in Palembang almost finished. He ensured it will be completed in the next two days.

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