Palembang gearing up for PON opening ceremony
Palembang gearing up for PON opening ceremony
Moch. N. Kurniawan and Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, Palembang
The 16th National Games (PON) will be declared open by
President Megawati Soekarnoputri on Thursday, with a Rp 24
(US$2.5 million) billion ceremony that organizers promise will be
nothing short of spectacular.
However, critics say the Games has been poorly organized and
that facilities and human resources are not up to scratch.
Event organizer Helmi Yahya, who is in charge of the opening
ceremony, said on Tuesday that some 4,000 local, national and
international performers would entertain spectators at Jakabaring
stadium, here, for two-and-a-half hours.
"The ceremony will feature a laser show, a 'rocket man',
fireworks, dancing and singing," he said.
"We have been working hard to ensure that the opening runs
well."
The appearance of well-known entertainers Nicky Astria, Ikke
Nurjanah, Natasha, Maudy Kusnaedi and conductor Purwacaraka would
ensure that spectators had a good time, he said.
Helmi revealed that Eric Scott of the United States would
provide drama and excitement by flying around the stadium with
the assistance of a jetpack.
The Games will run until Sept. 14, with around 7,000 athletes
from 30 provinces competing in 43 sports.
Helmi said that 45 athletes from each province would be
involved in the ceremony.
"If all the athletes participated, the parade would take two
hours, while Ibu Megawati will only be present for two-and-a-half
hours," Helmi said.
The remaining athletes will be seated in a special stand along
with spectators.
The proceedings will be aired live by state television station
TVRI and private station ANTV.
Among criticism of the Games is the low standard of facilities
for athletes, with one team reporting that a blackout occurred at
its place of accommodation.
Although the opening ceremony is on Thursday, some sporting
events have been underway since Monday.
Athletes in soccer, basketball, volleyball, gymnastics and
paragliding have muscled their way into battle.
Gymnastics has already released four golds, with Jakarta
scoring two, and Riau and North Sumatra, one apiece.
Badminton, which lines up Olympic champion Taufik Hidayat,
will kick off on Wednesday. So will competitions in diving and
tennis.