Grobogan, home of the eternal flame of Mrapen, has the honor to be part of the Asian Games Torch relay, the minister stated here.
The Mrapen flame will be merged with that from India at the Prambanan Temple on Wednesday evening, marking the start of the national relay of the Asian Games torch, touring 53 cities in 18 provinces across Indonesia.
The relay is expected to end on Aug 18 when the torch arrives at the Bung Karno Main Stadium in Jakarta.
Over 16 thousand athletes from 45 countries will participate in the 18th Asian Games, to be co-hosted by Jakarta and Palembang, South Sumatra Province.
Minister Maharani is optimistic of the successful implementation of the event, including its opening and closing ceremonies, athletes delivering high achievements, and wide-ranging economic benefits.
"The opening and closing ceremonies will be witnessed by over five billion people all over the world, and it is expected to offer economic benefits to Indonesia," she emphasized.
The Mrapen flame procession was witnessed by Chef de Mission of the Asian Games Com. Gen. Pol. Syafruddin, Chairman of Commission X of the House of Representatives Djoko Udjianto, Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo, Grobogan District Head Sri Sumarni, Demak District Head Natsir, and Chairman of the Indonesian Asian Games Organizing Committee Erick Thohir, among others.
The Mrapen flame was kept in a tinder box and will be merged with the flame generated from a parabolic mirror directed straight at the sun in New Delhi, India, where the Asian Games flame was lit for the first time during the inaugural edition in 1951.
Reported by Imam Santoso
(f001/INE)
(T.SYS/A/KR-BSR/C/F001) 18-07-2018 14:27:40
Reporter: .
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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