President Jokowi Hands Out Cash Bonuses to SEA Games Medalists

President Jokowi hands out bonuses to Ihram, Indonesian rower who won gold medal in the Men’s Single Sculls at the 31st SEA Games in Vietnam, at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta (06/13). (PR of Cabinet Secretariat/Rahmat)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo Monday (06/13) received Indonesian contingent competing in the 31^st SEA Games in Vietnam and handed out cash bonuses to medalists and coaches at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta.

On that occasion, the President extended his highest appreciation to the athletes for their hard work and achievements.

“This morning, I am proud, happy that 408 of 499 athletes we have sent to the 31^st SEA Games in Vietnam have won gold, silver, bronze medals. Once again, 408 of 499 athletes have won medals. It means that 82 percent of Indonesian athletes participating in the Games have brought home the medals,” President Jokowi said.

For the record, Indonesian contingent succeeded to secure the third place with a total of 241 medals, comprising 69 gold, 92 silver, and 81 bronze medals.

“As Minister of Youth and Sports said that building a good ecosystem produces good results, focused works. We do not have to send as many athletes as possible compared to 840 athletes last year, but the results increase,” the President added.

As a token of appreciation, the Government handed out approximately Rp130.5 billion to athletes and Rp32 billion to coaches and assistant-coaches, according to President Jokowi.

Furthermore, the Head of State also expressed hope that the bonuses handed out by the Government can inspire, motivate all athletes to work hard at achieving target and to give the best for the nation and country.

The ranking significantly increased compared to that of the 30^th SEA Games in the Philippines when Indonesia ranked fourth.

The representatives of Indonesian medalists in the 31^st SEA Games in Vietnam are as follow:

1. Ihram, Men’s Single Sculls, gold medalists’ representative (single, Rp500 million);
2. Riau Ega Agatha, Archery, gold medalists’ representative (double, Rp400 million);
3. Ceyco Georgia Zefanya, Karate, silver medalists’ representative (single, Rp300 million);
4. Susanto Megaranto, Chess, silver medalists’ representative (double, Rp240 million);
5. Dhita Juliana, Beach Volleyball, bronze medalists’ representative, (team, Rp210 million);
6. Azzahra Permatahani, Swimming, bronze medalists’ representative (single, Rp150 million);
7. Raudani Fitra, Canoeing, bronze medalists’ representative (double, Rp120 million);
8. Gian Kurnadi, Esports, bronze medalists’ representative (team, Rp105 million).

(TGH/FID/UN) (AP/HD)