"It took 1.5 years to prepare all of this. We worked extremely hard every day to prepare for the opening ceremony," he stated.
The event, which began at 7 p.m. on Saturday (Aug 18), at the Gelora Bung Karno main stadium in Jakarta, featured four thousand dancers from all elements of the people of Indonesia, with the youngest one being eight years old and the eldest one being 80 years old.
The thousands of dancers, wrapped in Indonesia`s unique traditional costumes, will introduce the guests to the beauty of Indonesia and bring vibrant energy as they dance.
Most of the performers were common citizens and students rather than from the professional community.
"Most of the dancers are students. Basically, all Indonesians are fond of dancing, and so there is no problem. Even the children have practiced diligently for 4 hours every day for 5 months straight," he revealed.
Besides Kusubandio, there were also Ronald Steven and Addie MS, as the event`s Music Directors; Eko Supriyanto and Deni Malik, as lead choreographers; as well as Dynand Fariz and Rinaldy Yunardi, as costume designers.
Music director Addie Ms, who is known for his career as Indonesia`s seeded composer, stated that there was a variety of music featured, including traditional and modern.
"We will exhibit Indonesian music from traditional, modern, and even orchestra," he added.
Indonesia`s artists, including Anggun, who is internationally renowned, Raisa, Tulus, Via Vallen, Ariel NOAH, Rossa, Rian D`Masiv, Cakra Khan, Rinni Wulandari, Wizzy, Edo Kondologit, Putri Ayu, Fatin, GAC, and Kamasean, are also on the list of those that will enliven the Opening Ceremony of the 18th Asian Games.
Reporting by Monalisa
Editing by Aria Cindyara
Reporter: Aria Cindyara
Editor: Suharto
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
