Jakarta will now officially co-host the 2018 Asian Games with Palembang, while the city also being confirmed as the hosts for the 2017 Youth Games.
Indonesia were awarded the Asian Games last year after Vietnam withdrew its hosting rights earlier, due to economic reasons.
As for now, the Games, which was to be held in 2019, will take place in both Palembang and on a different island from Jakarta, although the final list of sports have not been approved yet with some disagreements over what events will be held where.
Speaking about the decision, Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) President Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al-Sabah told insidethegames that the move highlights the unity of the Games organisation, following the path set by Kazakhstan cities Astana and Almaty, who co-hosted the 2011 Asian Winter Games.
But there are still many hurdles to clear, with concerns about difficulties attending the event on two different islands, as well as other financial issues.
Meanwhile, the 2017 Youth Games, which is to take place in Jakarta, will now serve a dual purpose as a test event for the 2018 Asian Games besides encouraging youths to gain experience.
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