TEMPO.CO, Bandung – Bandung Mayor Ridwan Kamil said President Joko Widodo had asked him to prepare traditional soldiers to welcome the heads of states in the 60th Asia-Africa Conference (AAC) anniversary event in Bandung. However, according to Ridwan, the West Java's capital has no traditional clothing like that of Yogyakarta's.
“I’m confused about the request, but I accepted it,” Ridwan told Tempo on Wednesday. Ridwan is currently designing the costume with the Bandung Tourism Agency.
Ridwan said he was puzzled because the Sundanese culture never had traditional clothing for soldiers. Jokowi conveyed his request when Ridwan visited him on Tuesday to report the infrastructure improvements in Bandung ahead of the event.
West Java Governor Ahmad Heryawan, popularly known as Aher, meanwhile, has planned to serve Sundanese dishes combined with European food to 109 heads of state during the event. Aher said the West Java government had selected the food as well as the caterers.
The AAC is slated for April 24. Upon arriving in Bandung, the heads of state are scheduled to visit AAC’s historical sites, such as Savoy Homann Hotel and Merdeka Building. Muslim heads of state will conduct Friday prayers at Agung Mosque and the a lunch at Aher’s official residence will cap the event.
PERSIANA GALIH