SEA Games torch to be lit at ASEAN office
SEA Games torch to be lit at ASEAN office
JAKARTA (JP): Financial problems have forced the 19th SEA
Games organizing committee to move the official torch lighting
ceremony from Borobudur temple in Central Java to Jakarta.
Organizing committee ceremony deputy Putera Astaman announced
yesterday that the torch would be lit at the ASEAN Secretariat on
Jl. Sisingamangaraja, South Jakarta, on Oct. 10 at around 10.00
a.m.
"This is a decision, made two days ago, that we had to make to
consider the budget and to keep it simple for the Games," Putera
said.
However, the venue change is not expected to influence the
public's support for the biennial event, which will start on Oct.
11 and end on Oct. 19.
State Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Hayono Isman is
expected to light the torch with a huge magnifying glass before
handing it over to organizing committee chairman Wismoyo
Arismunandar who will hand over to a runner.
The torch will be relayed from the secretariat to the South
Jakarta city hall, which is in the next building, where it will
stay until after the Friday Prayer.
At around 2.00 p.m., the torch will be relayed along Jakarta's
main streets to arrive at City Hall at around 5.00 p.m.
"Before it reaches the City Hall, we hope some public figures
including ministers and embassies' representatives will take part
in carrying the torch," Putera said.
Earlier yesterday, National Sports Council deputy chairman
Arie Sudewo said the new plan is expected to save, at least, Rp 1
billion (US$377,359).
"Although we are expected to save money, the torch relay will
attract Jakartans who are keen to watch the relay," he said.
The organizers had planned to light the torch at Borobudur
temple, about 40kms northwest of Yogyakarta. The torch was to be
relayed through Java's five provinces.
Before that the torch was to be flown to Jakarta, there was
also a plan to bring the torch here by bus.
The organizers expected to spend nearly Rp 1.1 billion on the
torch relay but the cancellation cut the amount to Rp 650
million.
"The Jakarta administration is responsible for the relay in
the city and will finance the whole process," he said.
The administration only has a Rp 150 million budget for the
ceremony.
Putera denied that the plan was changed in response to a call
from Hayono early this month "to be efficient with the budget".
Last night, representatives of the 10 participating countries
gathered to discuss their roles at the torch relay and the
opening ceremony.
Explanation
Putera said the organizers would have to explain the problems
to local organizers in Yogyakarta and Central Java.
"The organizers promise to solve all problems in the provinces
and we promise to reimburse them for all their expenses," he
said.
Kompas reported that the Magelang regency had elected 19 long-
haired girls to perform the torch lighting ceremony at Borobudur.
Well-known choreographer Bagong Kussudiardjo, based in
Yogyakarta, had created a special dance and trained 100 dancers
for the ceremony. He has also ordered the dancers' costumes from
Surabaya.
Residents along the four-kilometer road from Borobudur to
Mungkid town have made lanterns as part of a competition.
The regency has also ordered a Rp 35-million SEA Games plaque
from well-known sculptor Dulkamid Joyoprono. The plaque is about
75 percent complete.
Putera said: "I understand that many people have spent money
preparing for the Games. But it's a part of our sacrifices to
make the event success." (yan)