"We do not know how many more years Indonesia will be able to host the Asian Games for the third time. Thus, this is a golden opportunity to show the world that Indonesia is capable," Director General of Culture at the Education and Culture Ministry Hilmar Farid said.
In 1962, Indonesia was able to hold the Asian Games successfully. Indonesia won second place with the acquisition of 11 gold medals, 12 silver medals, and 28 bronze medals in the multi-sport event.
In the 2018 Asian Games, Indonesia should get more achievements than those of its previous performance in the fourth Asian Games.
All Indonesian people, he said, fully support the country`s athletes who compete in the 18th Asian Games.
"I am sure that Indonesian athletes who have made excellent preparations will show their abilities and performances optimally to achieve more medals for Indonesia," he said.
President Joko Widodo, accompanied by First Lady Iriana, opened the Asian Games at the Bung Karno Stadium on Saturday night.
Also present at the opening ceremony were Vice President Jusuf Kalla and former Vice President Boediono.
Joined by more than 14,000 athletes coming from 45 countries, the Asian Games is held in Jakarta and Palembang, the capital city of South Sumatra Province, from August 18 to September 2.
The 18th Asian Games 2018 will feature 462 events across 40 sports, of which 32 are Olympic sports and eight are non-Olympic sports.
The organizers hope the multi-sport event will attract some five billion spectators from across the world.
Reporting by Martha Herlinawati S
Editing by Azis Kurmala, Rahmad Nasution
Reporter: Antara
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
