President Jokowi Hands Out Cash Bonuses to Asian Para Games Medalists
President Jokowi shakes hands with an Asian Para Games medalist at the Bogor Palace, Saturday (13/10). Photo by: Public Relations Division of Cabinet Secretariat/ Oji
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo handed over cash bonuses to Indonesian Para Games medalists at the Bogor Palace, West Java, Saturday (10/13).
The cash bonuses were symbolically handed over to 3 athletes: chess athlete Hendy Wirawan who represents gold medalists; swimming athlete Aris who represents silver medalists; and lawn bowls athlete Sriyanti who represents bronze medalists.
On that occasion, Minister of Youth and Sports Imam Nahrawi reported that Indonesia secured 34 gold medals, 44 silver medals, and 50 bronze medals at the Games.
In the meantime, President Jokowi in his remarks praised the athletes who have worked hard competing in the 2018 Asian Para Games. “I set the target at 16 gold medals and joining the big eight (at final medal tally), but it turns out that the target has been exceeded, President Jokowi said.
The President further said that he was very happy when someone told him that Indonesian athletes had secured 18 gold medals and the next day the target was exceeded when the athletes won 24 gold medals and then 34 gold medals.
President Jokowi went on to say that since the target for the Asian Para Games has been exceeded, the State Budget should provide more cash for the bonuses. However, the Government is committed to handing out the bonuses since the athletes have given their best for the nation. “I am going to hand over the bonuses. I have mentioned before that the bonuses will be the same as those of the Asian Games. I do not know the numbers in detail but the gold medalist will get Rp1.5 billion. It’s really big money, but your achievements are worth it, President Jokowi told the athletes.
Also present during the event were Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Puan Maharani, Minister of Youth and Sports Imam Nahrawi, Chairman of INAPGOC Raja Sapta Oktohari, and Chief de Mission of Indonesian contingent. (UN/OJI/ES) (RI/EP/Naster)
