SEA Games torch to be lit at Borobudur temple in C. Java

JAKARTA (JP): The SEA Games Organizing Committee plans to light the Games torch from the sun at the Borobudur temple, Magelang, Central Java, instead of lighting it from the natural flame in Mrapen, Grobogan, Central Java.

Putera Astaman, the official in charge of ceremonies, said yesterday that the torch will be lit using a huge magnifying glass on Sep. 27 at around 10.00 a.m. at the ancient Buddhist temple 40 kms northwest of Yogyakarta. The ceremony is to be preceded by a traditional dance.

"Borobudur was selected for several reasons. It is one of the world's seven wonders, it's a symbol of Indonesia's past glory and it's a big attraction for both domestic and foreign visitors," Putera said.

Putera urged the country's athletes to refer to the nation's glorious moments in history.

"Another reason is that many of our neighboring countries are Buddhist, including Cambodia, Myanmar and defending champion Thailand," he said.

The torch-lighting ceremony will follow a Ramayana dance performance at Prambanan, a Hindu temple complex 17 kms northeast of Yogyakarta.

The performance will focus on Hanoman, a white-haired half- monkey knight. Hanoman, which symbolizes the never-say-die spirit, is the Games mascot.

The organizers plan to set up small huts for the Games' 10 participating countries, which will decorate the huts with their own ornaments.

All countries will have the chance to run the torch around the temple.

The torch will be relayed over 10 days to Surabaya via Surakarta, Cirebon via Java's northern highway, Bandung, Bogor and then to Jakarta.

Each country which wants to perform traditional cultural performances in cities along the way will be given the chance.

In Jakarta, the torch will be kept in the City Hall before it is taken to the Senayan Main Stadium. Each country will send athletes to carry the torch for two kilometers along the city's main streets. They will be accompanied by local runners.

The organizers will hoist each country's flag every two kilometers and set posts for every country.

"We want to create an image that the torch is carried to the 10 Games' member countries," he said.

"But an Indonesian athlete will be given the honor to carry the torch into the stadium," he added without mentioning the athlete's name.

Putera declined to mention the details of how the cauldron would be lit, saying "it would be no surprise at all if the public knows about it now."

The organizers plan to perform a combination of traditional dances and a flashback of the Games' history at the opening ceremony. The Games are to be officially opened by President Soeharto, .

The closing ceremony will follow the soccer final. It will consist of popular songs and dances from the 10 countries, at the closing ceremony, fireworks and a laser show.

"Hopefully the closing ceremony will leave good memories with all the participating athletes and officials," Putera said. (yan)