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.