SEA Games torch to be lit at ASEAN office<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Financial problems have forced the 19th SEA
\nGames organizing committee to move the official torch lighting
\nceremony from Borobudur temple in Central Java to Jakarta.<\/p>\n
Organizing committee ceremony deputy Putera Astaman announced
\nyesterday that the torch would be lit at the ASEAN Secretariat on
\nJl. Sisingamangaraja, South Jakarta, on Oct. 10 at around 10.00
\na.m.<\/p>\n
\"This is a decision, made two days ago, that we had to make to
\nconsider the budget and to keep it simple for the Games,\" Putera
\nsaid.<\/p>\n
However, the venue change is not expected to influence the
\npublic's support for the biennial event, which will start on Oct.
\n11 and end on Oct. 19.<\/p>\n
State Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Hayono Isman is
\nexpected to light the torch with a huge magnifying glass before
\nhanding it over to organizing committee chairman Wismoyo
\nArismunandar who will hand over to a runner.<\/p>\n
The torch will be relayed from the secretariat to the South
\nJakarta city hall, which is in the next building, where it will
\nstay until after the Friday Prayer.<\/p>\n
At around 2.00 p.m., the torch will be relayed along Jakarta's
\nmain streets to arrive at City Hall at around 5.00 p.m.<\/p>\n
\"Before it reaches the City Hall, we hope some public figures
\nincluding ministers and embassies' representatives will take part
\nin carrying the torch,\" Putera said.<\/p>\n
Earlier yesterday, National Sports Council deputy chairman
\nArie Sudewo said the new plan is expected to save, at least, Rp 1
\nbillion (US$377,359).<\/p>\n
\"Although we are expected to save money, the torch relay will
\nattract Jakartans who are keen to watch the relay,\" he said.<\/p>\n
The organizers had planned to light the torch at Borobudur
\ntemple, about 40kms northwest of Yogyakarta. The torch was to be
\nrelayed through Java's five provinces.<\/p>\n
Before that the torch was to be flown to Jakarta, there was
\nalso a plan to bring the torch here by bus.<\/p>\n
The organizers expected to spend nearly Rp 1.1 billion on the
\ntorch relay but the cancellation cut the amount to Rp 650
\nmillion.<\/p>\n
\"The Jakarta administration is responsible for the relay in
\nthe city and will finance the whole process,\" he said.<\/p>\n
The administration only has a Rp 150 million budget for the
\nceremony.<\/p>\n
Putera denied that the plan was changed in response to a call
\nfrom Hayono early this month \"to be efficient with the budget\".<\/p>\n
Last night, representatives of the 10 participating countries
\ngathered to discuss their roles at the torch relay and the
\nopening ceremony.<\/p>\n
Explanation<\/p>\n
Putera said the organizers would have to explain the problems
\nto local organizers in Yogyakarta and Central Java.<\/p>\n
\"The organizers promise to solve all problems in the provinces
\nand we promise to reimburse them for all their expenses,\" he
\nsaid.<\/p>\n
Kompas reported that the Magelang regency had elected 19 long-
\nhaired girls to perform the torch lighting ceremony at Borobudur.<\/p>\n
Well-known choreographer Bagong Kussudiardjo, based in
\nYogyakarta, had created a special dance and trained 100 dancers
\nfor the ceremony. He has also ordered the dancers' costumes from
\nSurabaya.<\/p>\n
Residents along the four-kilometer road from Borobudur to
\nMungkid town have made lanterns as part of a competition.<\/p>\n
The regency has also ordered a Rp 35-million SEA Games plaque
\nfrom well-known sculptor Dulkamid Joyoprono. The plaque is about
\n75 percent complete.<\/p>\n
Putera said: \"I understand that many people have spent money
\npreparing for the Games. But it's a part of our sacrifices to
\nmake the event success.\" (yan)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/sea-games-torch-to-be-lit-at-asean-office-1447893297",
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