Indonesian president invites DPRK leader, ROK president to Asian Games opening ceremony

JAKARTA - Indonesian President Joko Widodo has invited Democratic People Republic's of Korea leader Kim Jong-un and President of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Jae-in to attend the opening of next month's Asian Games, an official disclosed here.

The invitation came as the two nations agreed to have their athletes parade together in one group during the Games' opening ceremony, Indonesian Secretary of State Pramono Anung said in a statement released by the presidential office on Wednesday.

Pramono praised the group formation, suggesting that the two nations' athletes could compete together in the multi-sport event.

"This will be a center of attention for the world, that the Asian Games in Indonesia can unify [them] as part of creating world peace. A substantial effect will come of it," he said.

A total of around 26 heads of state will be present at the Asiad opening ceremony in August, according to national police chief General Tito Karnavian, who will lead a total of 200,000 security personnel to oversee the event.

In addition to world leaders, as many as 25,000 athletes and officials from 45 countries and regions will arrive in Indonesia for the tournament, which will play host to 40 different sporting events.

The 18th Asian Games is set to be held from August 18 to September 2 in the country's capital of Jakarta and Palembang city of South Sumatra province, as well as supporting cities in West Java province.