HE Muhammad Jusuf Kalla, who is also the chairman of the Steering Committee for the Games, then met with industry experts as part of a bid to learn from international best practice.

"Next year, Indonesia will welcome the best Asian athletes from 45 countries for the 2018 Asian Games," said Kalla while visiting the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Britain's capital.

"Indonesia already has a strong track record of hosting successful international sports events but there is always room to improve. 

"Preparations for Jakarta-Palembang 2018 are going well and on track but it is also important that we learn from previous successes around the world to ensure that we host the very best possible event."

Major building projects for the Games have a target completion date of this year, according to a press release issued today by the Indonesian Embassy in Britain.

This, organisers claim, allows "an appropriate contingency" before action takes place between August 18 and September 2 in 2018.

"The signing of a Presidential decree in mid-April, meanwhile, has enabled a significant acceleration in the pace of preparation for the operations that will bring Jakarta-Palembang 2018's venues to life," the press release added.

As many as 39 sports will be contested at the Games, with the third Asian Para Games, featuring 17 sports, following in October.

insidethegames exclusively revealed last month that cricket, skateboarding, sambo and surfing had been removed from the programme to reduce the burden on organisers.

"Indonesia is preparing for the Asian Games and Asian Para Games with a sensible mix of new building and the renovation of existing facilities," added Kalla. 

"London 2012 did a great job not only of putting on wonderful competitions but also leaving a positive legacy. 

"It has been very helpful to study the lessons of London 2012's success, so we can ensure that the Asian Games 2018 leaves an important legacy for Asian sport, for our own host cities and for Indonesia.

"The eyes, not just of Asia, but of the world, will be on Indonesia next summer. 

"I am confident we will show them not just a great sporting event, but a real insight into Indonesia's rich and deep tradition of hospitality, together with fresh and positive insights into our ability to deliver."

Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia on the island of Java, is a 45-minute flight from Palembang which is the capital of South Sumatra.