Gov’t Gives Bonus for Indonesian Football Team

Photo caption: President Jokowi accompanied by Minister of Youth and Sports Imam Nahrawi and Head of Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) Edy Rahmayadi in a group photo with the Indonesian Football Team on Monday (19/12)

Although Indonesia failed to be the champion of the 2016 ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup and lost to Thailand 0-2 on the second leg of the Finals held in Bangkok on Saturday (17/12), President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo still appreciated the Team by inviting the players and officials for a luncheon on Monday (19/12), at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta.

On that occasion, President Jokowi expressed his gratitude and high appreciation to the players and coach of the Indonesian Football Team, as well as to the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI). Although they did not win the Cup, President and all Indonesian people who watched the final that night were proud with the fight of the Team.

“Though some people felt nervous and did not dare to watch the match on TV, but I am sure that all Indonesian people are proud with the fight of the Team that successfully made into the finals. And, I guess it is really surprising due to the short preparation after a sanctions imposed by FIFA,” the President said.

President Jokowi hopes the players, coach, and officials of the National Team will not lose hope. In fact, they have to take lesson from the loss, and prepare for the upcoming competitions, the President said. “Because it doesn’t matter whether you win or lose, it’s how you take lessons from it,” the President added.

President Jokowi also called on all sides to use this momentum to prepare themselves because the Team has united the country, become a unifying force of the country, and shown that plurality, diversity can become a source of strength of the country.

Regarding bonus, President Jokowi accompanied by Minister of Youth and Sports Imam Nahrawi announced that the Government gave a bonus – Rp200 million each – to all players.

“I think that was all I can say. Hopefully, it will have been transferred to each bank account this afternoon. You may check it later, because I gave the order this morning,” President Jokowi stated. (FID/ES) (RAS/EP/YM/Naster)