Gov’t Gives Cash Bonuses to SEA Games Medalists for Future Savings
President Prabowo Subianto honors SEA Games medalists with bonuses, at the State Palace, Jakarta, on Thursday (01/08). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)
Rewards and bonuses granted by the Government to SEA Games medalists not only serve as tokens to repay their hard work but can also serve as future savings given for their sacrifice and dedication to the country and the nation.
The statement was made by President Prabowo Subianto when he handed over performance bonuses to the 33rd SEA Games medalists in a ceremony held at State Palace, Jakarta, on Thursday (01/08).
“We gave them bonus in form of cash so they can have saving for their future, not just because we are obliged to repay their hard work. It is an award,” he said.
According to the President, their achievements at the international level are the result of great sacrifices of time, energy, and comfort made since their youth. He also highlighted that resilience is pivotal for athletes who compete at the international level.
The Head of State also said that these athletes are often on the verge of giving up from the exhaustion, yet they continue to find the strength to compete for the nation. An eventing rider, for example, kept competing despite suffering a serious injury just before the competition.
The spirit, he added, should be appreciated. Commander of the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI), in fact, bestowed the athlete a promotion one rank higher.
“I thank the TNI Commander for sending the athlete to officer training school. I thank you,” he said.
In the meantime, Minister of Youth and Sports Erick Thohir said that the Government ensures that the bonuses for athletes and coaches will be handed to the direct recipients in a transparent system. In addition to bonuses, the Ministry will also provide financial literacy training to those athletes and coaches. Meanwhile, President Prabowo advised the medalists to use the money wisely.
For the record, individual gold medalists received a bonus of Rp1 billion each, individual silver and bronze medalists received Rp315 million and Rp157.5 million, respectively. Athletes competing in doubles events received Rp800 million for gold medal, Rp252 million for silver, and Rp126 million for bronze medal. Meanwhile, athletes competing in team events received Rp500 million for gold medal, Rp220.5 billion for silver medal, and Rp110.25 million for bronze medal.
Coaches also received bonuses of Rp300 million for training athletes competing in individual or double events with gold medal, Rp126 million for silver medal, and Rp63 million for bronze medal. Meanwhile, coaches who trained athletes competing in team events received Rp400 million for gold medal, Rp189 million for silver medal, and Rp94.5 billion for bronze medal. (BPMI Presidential Secretariat) (RAS/MMB)
