Palembang, South Sumatra (ANTARA News) - An aircraft acrobatic display, performed by the 2018 Asian Games Organizing Committee (INASGOC) Secretary General Eris Herryanto, welcomed the start of the Asian Games torch relay in Palembang, South Sumatra, on Saturday.

The Air Force retired officer conducted several aerial maneuvers over the Gelora Sriwijaya Stadium at the Jakabaring sports complex in Palembang before 52 parachutes from the typical Indonesian Air Force troops arrived.

"We took the Asian Games flame from India to Yogyakarta, and it was escorted by several warplanes. The flame was also taken by the Indonesian Air Force aircraft," Military Commander Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto stated after receiving a special lantern containing the Asian Games torch flame from the Indonesian Air Force`s paratroopers.

Tjahjanto remarked that the Asian Games torch was greeted by aerial acrobatics performed by the INASGOC secretary general and Air Force soldiers, who carried the Red-White flag, the Asian Olympic Council flag, the Indonesian Olympic Committee flag, INASGOC flag, and special lanterns interpreting Indonesian sovereignty in the region`s aerospace.

"The flames of the 2018 Asian Games will bind our unity and integrity. We escort the Asian Games torch fire from Yogyakarta to eastern, central, and western Indonesia, and to Jakarta," the TNI commander stated.

The flame of a torch from a special Asian lantern box was then turned on to the mini caldron prepared at the Sriwijaya Stadium.

In the meantime, Defense Minister Ryamirzad Ryacudu, who also attended the Asian Games torch ceremony in Palembang, then ignited a fire to the torch and handed it over to South Sumatra Governor Alex Noerdin.

The series of Asian Games torch relay parades in the city of Palembang will end at the office of Palembang mayor after the torch was carried across the Musi River.
Reporting by Imam Santoso
Editing by Otniel

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Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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