Jokowi Opens Asian Para Games 2018 In History Today, October 6, 2018

JAKARTA - Today, six years ago, October 6, 2018, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) officially opened the 2018 Asian Para Games multi-sport event. The quadrennial sporting event for athletes with disabilities throughout Asia has become a forum for Indonesia's demonstrations to the world.

Previously, Indonesia had successfully held the 2018 Asian Games sports event. Indonesia was able to successfully host. The opening and closing were carried out with great fanfare. The Indonesian people are also proud not to play.

Indonesia was relieved when the Asian Olympic Council (OCA) chose Vietnam to host the 2018 Asian Games in 2012. However, recently Vietnam was unable to build a sports arena and support for the Asian Games.

This condition is difficult to be quickly patched by Vietnam. OCA also changed Vietnam and immediately appointed Indonesia to host it in 2014. The Indonesian government agreed. However, this condition provoked new problems.

Indonesia has a narrow time to prepare for a large Asian-scale celebration. The government is also proposing Erick Thohir as Chairman of the 2018 Asian Games Organizing Committee (Inasgoc). Erick is considered to be able to bring Indonesia's image up. Moreover, he is known to the world as an investor in several football and basketball clubs in the world.

Dramas had sprung up. Mainly related to budget constraints. However, Erick did not give up. He tried to cut the budget from here and there. He tried to eliminate the series of events that did not bring many big benefits.

The results were brilliant. Erick was able to present a lively opening and welcoming ceremony with the theme Energy of Asia at Gelora Bung Karno (GBK). President Jokowi also claimed to be the nation. Because, Indonesia as the host gets praise here and there.

Indonesia itself occupies the fourth position with 31 gold, 24 silver, 43 bronze. Jokowi closed the series of successful Asian Games events at GBK on September 2, 2018.

"We feel the same spirit as all of you at GBK. The spirit of togetherness to continue to rise again and the Asian Games is indeed over but Asia's energy and spirit will not be extinguished."

"Thank you to Indonesian citizens, we have succeeded in becoming friendly hosts. The highest achievement during the Asian Games," Jokowi said as quoted on the DW website, September 2, 2018.

Indonesia is not complacent. The Asian Games can be completed, but the government must also ensure that the 2018 Asian Para Games are successful. All preparations, especially the former Asian Games facility which has just been completed.

At its peak, President Jokowi also participated in inaugurating the opening ceremony of the 2018 Asian Para Games at the GBK Main Stadium on October 6, 2018. The opening ceremony featured the theme We are One. The goal is that the Indonesian government wants to present a question of diversity with a fast ceremony.

The procession then continued with a defile of athletes and officials from 43 participating countries. The defile was initiated by Afghanistan and ended by the host, Indonesia because it was in accordance with the letter abjat. Jokowi also did not forget to express his hope that Indonesian gamers could shine.

"On behalf of all Indonesian people, I am proud to welcome the presence of you, ladies and gentlemen, and special guests from 43 countries. Through the 2018 Asian Para Games, we want to strengthen brotherhood, uphold humanity."

"And by saying bismillahirrahmanirrahim, I declare officially that the Asian Para Games are open. Good luck, success," said the President while demonstrating it in sign language quoted on the State Secretariat website, October 6, 2018.