ASEAN celebrates birthday with big bash

JAKARTA (JP): Today marks the start of a year-long celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The festivities begin at the ASEAN Secretariat here with a flag-hoisting ceremony and the release of 30 white doves.

Perhaps in an apparent attempt to symbolize the power of the grouping, the "Bulldozer" Marching Band from the Ministry of Public Works will entertain the guests.

If they listen carefully the guests will hear the official ASEAN theme song slipped into the repertoire. ASEAN foreign ministers have given their general approval to the song but have yet to decide on a title.

Prior to today's ceremonies, the six terrestrial TV stations all broadcast the ASEAN Festival of Songs attended by popular artists from the nine member countries.

The ASEAN Business Forum also presented its annual awards at a ceremony last night. Indonesia's Aburizal Bakrie was voted ASEAN businessman of the year and former minister Emil Salim also received an award for his environmental work.

The official celebrations will be kicked off in earnest by President Soeharto at a lavish reception at the Jakarta Convention Center, hosted by the ASEAN Secretariat.

Some 2,000 guests, including Vice President Try Sutrisno and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas are scheduled to attend.

In addition to Soeharto's address, other ASEAN leaders will send congratulatory messages via a video link-up.

The night will be capped off by a laser show and a cultural performance featuring artists from the member states.

The highlight of the year-long celebrations is expected to be the Commemorative ASEAN Summit in December.

Various high publicity events and competitions will be held throughout the year such as poster, photo and essay competitions.

To mark the anniversary, the secretariat will also publish a book An Overview of 30 Years of ASEAN along with an accompanying video.

ASEAN-based airlines are also scheduled to give discounted fares to destinations within the grouping. (prb)

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