Solidarity for Rio Haryanto

The initiative of the sports and youth ministry to raise funds for Rio Haryanto to race in Formula 1 is much warranted. Rio's participation in F1 is a big thing for Indonesia, but the state budget should not be burdened for the purpose. After all, autoracing is not a public sport here.

But the ministry will overstretch its budget if it contributes the hoped-for Rp100billion funding to Rio. Besides, it is inappropriate to dig deep into the state coffers to bankroll a race-car athlete when the country is still facing economic uncertainties. Instead, the government must come up with creative ways to lobby business tycoons.

March 15, 2016