AAC 2015 - Jakarta Ready To Host Asia-Africa Conference's Anniversary Commemoration

Jakarta, April 6 (Antara) - Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama said the city has been ready to host the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the Asia-Africa Conference (AAC) scheduled from April 19 to 24. "Preparations are standard. Roads have been improved and security and traffic order will also be enhanced," he stated at City Hall here on Monday. Indonesia will host the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the AAC in Jakarta and Bandung from April 19 to 24, 2015. So far, at least 30 heads of state and government have confirmed their attendance. He noted that security will be stepped up especially around hotels where AAC delegates will be staying. "What should be assured is that no water pools must form on roads when it rains. Security around hotels and their surrounding areas must be boosted to ensure that the AAC anniversary events will be smooth," he explained. The Deputy Governor for Cultural and Tourism Affairs, Sylviana Murni, confirmed that all facilities and means for the implementation of the event have been arranged. "All means and facilities have been prepared as best as possible. We will ensure that before the AAC starts everything will be ready and good," she stressed. According to her, hundreds of participants will stay in 18 star-rated hotels in the capital city. "The Jakarta Metropolitan Police Command as well as the Jakarta Military Command will help us with security arrangements. The city administration, police, and transportation officers will also be deployed to ensure the smooth implementation of the event," she emphasized. Some 109 Asian and African countries along with 17 observer countries and 25 international organizations have been invited. The agenda of the 60th commemorative event of the AAC will include a Senior Official Meeting of Asian and African countries on April 19; a Ministerial-Level Meeting on April 20; and the Asia-Africa Business Summit on April 21 and 22. The Asia-Africa Summit will be organized on April 22-23, 2015, in Jakarta. On April 24, the leaders are expected to join a Historical Walk to be held in Bandung, where the first AAC was organized in April 1955. The Bandung conference was viewed as a symbol of freedom from colonialism and as a symbol of the resurgence of Asian and African nations. Some 29 countries representing more than half of the world's population had sent their delegates to the conference 60 years ago.