Indonesia is committed to making the Asian Games, held in Jakarta and Palembang, the capital city of South Sumatra Province, from August 18 to September 2, get success, she said here on Saturday.
"In 1962, the first President of Indonesia, Soekarno, had successfully held the 4th Asian Games. And 56 years later, today, Indonesia hosts the 18th Asian Games," she said in a statement.
The coordinating minister welcomed the leaders of delegations participating in the 2018 Asian Games and the officers of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).
The senior minister also promoted Indonesia`s cultural wealth, natural beauty, and various of authentic food to state guests.
She expected that the 2018 Asian Games could show the energy of Asia that was able to inspire Asian nations and the whole world with genuine enthusiasm of Asia.
The welcoming ceremony was also attended by leaders and members of the Asian and international sports federations, ranks of cabinet ministers, leaders of House of Representatives and The People`s Consultative Assembly, ambassadors of friendly countries, and the Indonesian Asian Games 2018 Organizing Committee (INASGOC) board.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo officially opened the 18th Asian Games at Gelora Bung Karno main Stadium here on Saturday evening.
"By saying Bismillahirrahmanirrahim (in the name of God), 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.
Reporting by Aditya Ramadhan
Editing by Aziz K/R. Nasution
Reporter: antara
Editor: Gusti Nur Cahya Aryani
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
