TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) officially opened the 18th Asian Games at Gelora Bung Karno main Stadium on Saturday evening.
"By saying Bismillahirrahmanirrahim (in the name of God, Most merciful and Compassionate), I officially open the 18th Asian Games in 2018," he stated as the audience cheered and applauded.
"On behalf of the Indonesian people, I would like to share our pride and honor of having the opportunity to host and receive such special guests from 45 countries," he noted.
He also stated that in the 18th Asian Games, all nations in Asia seek to show kinship between countries.
"We are united to achieve success," he remarked.
After a remark delivered by President of the Olympic Council of Asia, Sheikh Fahad Al-Sabah, the State Leader opened the Asian Games, accompanied by Vice President Jusuf Kalla.
Shortly after, a number of Indonesian Olympic medalists entered the stage, carrying the OCA flag, followed by the reading of the Asian Games declaration by representatives of the athletes.
Colossal dance and music performances were next on the list, as Indonesian singers, such as Raisa, Fatin, and Rossa, sang folk songs to hundreds of dancers performing traditional dances from all across Indonesia.
ANTARA
