JAKARTA - The 14th leg of the global Olympic flame journey was concluded without major disruptions in Jakarta at 15:50 local time (08:50 GMT) Tuesday as scheduled.
Torchbearers kindle the Olympic cauldron with the sacred Olympic flame after the torch relay in Jakarta, capital of Indonesia, April 22, 2008. [Xinhua]
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State Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Adhyaksa Dault, accompanied by Minister of Culture and Tourism Jero Wacik, National Olympic Committee President Rita Subowo and Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia Lan Lijun kindled the Olympic cauldron with the sacred Olympic flame at the western section of the Bung Karno Sports Complex to mark the culmination of the Jakarta event.
Rita Subowo said: "The Olympic torch is here for the first time in our city of Jakarta. We are very proud to be part of this unique celebration. As from today, or city will forever be a part of the history of the Olympic Games.
"The Beijing Games will be a great celebration. They will not only be a moment of sporting excellence, but also moment for the peoples of China and the world to learn and discover each others' culture, to exchange and share the strength and power of the Olympic values," she said.
Thousands of people, including many high school students and Chinese expatriates, have joined the parade on the streets heading to and inside the venue with high enthusiasm, chanting supports for the Beijing's hosting of the 2008 Olympic Games.
Nearby high-rise buildings spread large banners that read: "Indonesia Supports the Beijing Olympic Games."
High security profile was in place to prevent major disruptions, with some 2,500 security personnel deployed to safeguard the historical event for Indonesia.
Jiang Xiaoyu, vice president of the Beijing Organizing Committee of Olympic Games (BOCOG), said: "Today the Olympic flame has arrived at Jakarta for the first time in history, and Jakarta has showcased itself to the rest of the world. We are deeply impressed by the city's kindness, by the organizers' excellent arrangement."
"Allow me to extend, on behalf of the Beijing Organizing Committee of Olympic Games, our sincere thank and best regard to the Indonesian government, the provincial government of Jakarta, the National Olympic Committee of Indonesia and the Indonesian people."
The whole ceremony lasted about two hours, opened with Indonesian traditional dancing and music performances.
