President Jokowi Sends off Indonesian Contingent for 30th SEA Games

President Jokowi is in a group photo with Indonesian contingent who will compete in the 30th SEA Games 2019 in the Philippines, at Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java, Wednesday (27/11). (Photo: Oji/PR)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo on Wednesday (27/11) at Bogor Presidential Palace sent off Indonesian contingent who will compete in the 30^th Southeast Asia (SEA) Games 2019 in the Philippines.

The ceremony began with President Jokowi handing over the national flag to Chef de Mission (CdM) for the SEA Games 2019 Harry Warganegara.

In his directives, the President expressed hope that the 841 athletes representing 267 million Indonesians in the upcoming SEA Games can maintain Indonesia’s excellent reputation by securing the top two position in the medal tally.

“We have gradually climbed from 15^th to 4^th in the previous SEA Games, while in the last Games we secured the 5^th position. Thus, Indonesia must get the second place in this year’s Games,” he said.

The President also reminded all athletes that achieving the target is not an easy task. Nevertheless, he expressed hope that the target can be met with their solid fighting spirit.

Support from 267 million Indonesians may lift the athletes’ spirit to bag numerous medals in the 30^th SEA Games, he added.

After the ceremony, President Jokowi told reporters that the Government will give cash bonuses for Indonesian athletes who secure medals in the Games.

“There will be bonuses for them if Indonesia is placed in the second position,” he firmly said, adding that the amount of cash bonuses will be announced later.

On that occasion, President Jokowi also said that he is confident that Indonesia will bag a medal in soccer since the national team defeated defending champions Thailand 2-0 in their Group B opener at the 30^th SEA Games, Tuesday (26/11). (FID/OJI/ES)

Translated by : Rany Anjany Subachrum
Reviewed by : M. Ersan Pamungkas