In the company of First Lady Ani Yudhoyono, the head of state and his entourage arrived in Palembang on Thursday to attend the rehearsal of the event`s opening ceremony.
President Yudhoyono`s entourage included Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Djoko Suyanto, Coordinating Minister for Economy Hatta Rajasa, Coordinating Minister for People`s Welfare Agung Laksono, Education and Culture Minister M Nuh, and Tourism and Creative Economic Minister Mari Elka Pangestu.
To last for about three hours, the opening ceremony of the SEA Games will begin with a colossal art performance for an hour at Sriwijaya sport stadium.
The colossal art performance will be divided into five sections namely The Journey Begins, Musi: The Heart of the City, Sriwijaya: The Golden Peninsula, Knitting the Archipelago, and Reaching the Dream.
After the art performance, noted artist and singer Agnes Monica will come to the stage to sing the SEA Games song: "Together We Will Shine."
After that, Badminton star Allan Budikusuma and tennis star Yayuk Basuki will bring the SEA Games torch and hand it to Susi Susanti to light the SEA Games cauldron.
The lighting of the cauldron by Susi Susanti, Allan`s husband, is unique enough because she will do so from a decorated boat, placed in the middle of the field.
President Yudhoyono has specially composed a song: "United and Rising," for the SEA Games opening ceremony, and the song will be sung be Joy Tobing at the end of the ceremony.
Before opening the SEA Games, the president will at 4 on Friday afternoon review the event`s facilities and then dedicate Jakabaring sport complex. (*)
Editor: Aditia Maruli Radja
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
