Yogyakarta had the honor of kicking off the month-long Asian Games torch relay on Thursday with Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi being the first torch bearer.

Retno, who ran the first 100 meters of the relay, said she was happy to be involved in the ceremony as hosting the Games would have a significant impact on Indonesia’s foreign relations.

“This is a proud moment for us Indonesians. We will do our best as host to honor the Asian countries that have put their trust in us,” added Retno.

The first leg of the relay was opened by a traditional dance performance titled “Krido Jati Suoro” at Yogyakarta Palace. Governor Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X handed the torch to Retno at the palace.

The torch’s design is a mixture of two traditional weapons — the golok (machete) from co-hosts Jakarta’s Betawi culture and the skin from Palembang, South Sumatra.

“We started the torch relay this morning [Thursday]. Within a month, we will open the Asian Games, which will be attended by participants from 45 countries who will compete in 40 sports,” Indonesian Asian Games Organizing Committee (INASGOC) secretary-general Eris Herryanto said in his speech.

Locals gave the relay a warm welcome, with flag-waving schoolchildren cheering on runners from the sidewalks.

Wahyu, a student at Kraton state elementary school, said he was excited to witness the relay. However, he seemed confused about the Games.

“It feels great to see [the relay]. The Asian Games is the biggest soccer event,” said Wahyu who seemed unaware that the Games would also feature 39 other sports.

Yogyakarta Police chief Brig. Gen. Ahmad Dofiri and Adisucipto Air Force Base chief Air Cdre. Tedi Rizalihadi were among the torch bearers.

“This is an interesting experience because Indonesia will host the Asian Games again after 50 years,” said Ahmad.

The first leg of the relay, which stretched 11 kilometers, ended at Tugu Yogya (the Yogyakarta Monument), with Mayor Haryadi Suyuti finishing off Thursday’s leg.

The torch’s next stop is Surakarta, Central Java.

It was lit by flames in India — the first country to host the Games in 1951 — as well as from the Mrapen eternal flame in Purwodadi, Central Java.

Vice President Jusuf Kalla conducted the union between the two flames at a ceremony on the Brahma field at Prambanan temple in Yogyakarta on Wednesday.

After the ceremony, the flame was brought to Yogyakarta Palace. It was then placed in a mini cauldron before the torch was lit for Thursday’s event.

After the first two legs, the torch will be relayed in East Java, Bali, West Nusa Tenggara, Papua, South Sulawesi, South Kalimantan, Aceh, North Sumatra, Riau, West Sumatra, Jambi, South Sumatra, Lampung, Banten, West Java and Jakarta.

It will travel a distance of 18,000 km taking in 54 cities in 18 provinces. Each city will host side events to welcome the torch, which is set to reach Jakarta on Aug. 15.

Before reaching its final destination at the Gelora Bung Karno sports complex for the Aug. 18 opening ceremony, the torch will be paraded throughout Jakarta, including Thousand Islands regency.

The nationwide celebration of the torch relay is to promote the many attractions the country has to offer in the hope that it will make Indonesia among the world’s top tourist destinations.

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