Jakarta to host ASEAN 50 Parade

After the Countdown Asian Games 2018 event, Jakarta is slated to host another international celebration on August 27.

The event is called ASEAN 50 Parade, a celebratory event to commemorate the golden age of ASEAN that was first established in Bangkok on August 8, 1967.

"The 50th ASEAN anniversary is an event that can help strengthening the role of ASEAN as the drive for economic integration and partnership in all kinds of fields," said foreign affairs deputy minister, AM Fachir.

300 participants will take part in the festivity that coincides with Car Free Day in Jakarta. The parade group will walk for 3.4 kilometers from the Monas Southwest Door to MH Thamrin street, Hotel Indonesia traffic circle and will finish at the Jenderal Sudirman statue.

The parade will feature an ASEAN flags parade, costume parade, marching bands, dance and music performances. Visitors will also be treated to 10 culinary dishes from ASEAN countries.

Prior to the festivities, the ministry of foreign affairs has conducted several activities to welcome the 50th anniversary of ASEAN. The activities include a symposium titled "Centrality and Unity of ASEAN" and an anniversary celebration in Sikka regency, East Nusa Tenggara on June 8-9.

Meanwhile, tourism minister Arief Yahya asked every citizen to come and see the parade.

"The parade that will showcase the cultures of 10 ASEAN countries will catch the people's attention. This will be the magnet for the Pesona Indonesia [tourism brand]. Please come to the ASEAN 50 Parade and make it viral," said Arief.

Moreover, Arief said that in the past two years members of ASEAN have agreed to work together as discussions on tourism promotion have been made.

"We create tour packages, two to three countries in one package and promote them together using the logo and tagline of Visit [email protected]," Arief added. (asw)

Source: Jakarta to host ASEAN 50 Parade