Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Chief of General Staff (Kasum) of the Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI) Admiral Didit Herdiawan believes the 2018 Asian Games, which will take place from August 18 to September 3, 2018 in Jakarta and Palembang, could be an arena to promote Indonesian culture.

"The Asian Games has a very strategic value as an important venue to promote Indonesian culture and tourism, as well as the `national branding` of Indonesia on the international stage," said the Chief of the Indonesian Military in his mandate. This was read by the Commander of Military Education and Training (Dankodiklat), Maj. Gen. Benny Indra Pujihastono, as the Inspector of the 73rd Republic of Indonesia`s Independence Anniversary Ceremony in 2018, at the B-3 Field at Military Headquarters, Cilangkap, East Jakarta, on Friday.

Further, he remind the public to fully support the games, to ensure that its implementation will be successful and that it lifts Indonesia`s image in the eyes of the international world.

Meanwhile, Head of Information Center (Kapuspen) of TNI Maj. Gen. Sabrar Fadhilah said earlier that the TNI and Indonesian Police (Polri) had prepared everything to secure the 18th Asian Games held in Jakarta, Palembang and West Java.

"We are certainly working together with all elements of the nation, both the National Police, Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) and the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), as well as all components that are certainly directed to ensure that the Asian Games run safely, smoothly, orderly, and without interference," said Fadhilah.

According to Fadhilah, each province has a possibility for disturbances, such as smoke disturbances that are currently being handled by various elements of the nation.

"Now it`s the dry season that has the potential to cause forest fires. In fact, there are some groups of people who are not aware of the importance of keeping the forests from burning. So all efforts have also been made to minimize and mitigate, so that forest fires do not occur, disrupting the course of the Asian Games, "said the two-star general. *** 4 *** (E002/INE )

Reporting by Syaiful Hakim
Editing by Eliswan Azly

Reporter: Antara
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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