Jambi to send bands

JAKARTA (JP): Jambi will send three marching bands totaling 275 people for the 19th SEA Games closing ceremony on Oct. 19.

Provincial police chief Col. Priestiwa, said in Jambi yesterday that the marching bands were invited by the National Sports Council (KONI) and the Indonesian Marching Band Association.

The three marching bands are Bahana Masurai from Sarolangun Bangko, Gita Bersama from Tanjung Jabung and Bahana Lintas from Bungo Tebo.

Bahana Masurai is scheduled to take part in the morning parade at the state palace on Oct. 17.

Priestiwa saw off the marching bands yesterday and hoped they would perform well.

"I want you all to do your best at the SEA Games and not to leave a bad image of Jambi," Priestiwa said, as quoted by Antara.

Nardiansyah is both coordinator and coach for the three marching bands.

Suwardi Ramli, the KONI Lampung chapter chairman, said in Bandar Lampung yesterday that he hoped the Lampung citizens residing in Jakarta would support the Games.

"I have met with some of the Lampung citizens in Jakarta for this purpose and they have agreed to attend," Suwardi said.

Suwardi, who is also the Lampung deputy governor, said that the Lampung fans could motivate the Lampung athletes in the Indonesian contingent to perform well in the Jakarta Games.

Twenty Lampung athletes, including women's weight lifter Sri Indriani, and men's pencak silat team member Suwandi, are in the Indonesian contingent. They will compete in 12 sports. (lnt)