In line with their motto “The Energy of Asia”, the 18th Asian games has officially come to an end at 2 September 2018 with a highly anticipated closing ceremony. The closing ceremony for this year’s Asian Games was held at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta – the same stadium which the opening ceremony was held.
Directed by Wishnutama, the cofounder and CEO of NET. Mediatama Televisi, the ceremony will highlight the theme of “Bhineka Tunggal Ika” which aims to showcase a single Asian community. “In the arena athletes are rivals, but in the closing ceremony we want to unite them all and let them enjoy the ceremony as part of one Asian community,” she added.
This year’s ceremony not only explored the different cultural aspects of Indonesia, but also displays the diversity of Asian countries. Some of the performances include popular Indonesian singers Isyana Sarasvati and Dira Sugandi. In addition to the local performers, two South Korean boybands Super Junior and iKon captured the hearts of many by performing their hit singles, which include “Sorry Sorry” (Super Junior) and “Love Scenario” (iKon). Aside from the 2 K-pop acts, Chinese singer Jackson Yee and Indian singer Sidharth Slathia also took over the stage during the closing ceremony.
The news of the closing Asian Games ceremony has created excitement and anticipation, as fans gathered to celebrate and honour the athletes who participated in the 2018 Asian games as well as watch their favourite artists perform in the closing ceremony. As a result, 52,000 tickets were sold online, ticket prices ranging from Rp 500,000 (US$35) to Rp 2 million.
After 15 days of intense competition, it is time to wrap up the 18th Asian Games and bid farewell to Indonesia as the baton is passed on to the next city Hangzhou, China for the next edition of the Asian Games in 2022.
Pinus Press 