President Jokowi Urges Sports Minister, KONI, KOI to Improve National Sports Achievements

President Jokowi delivers his remarks at the commemoration of National Sports Day (Haornas) XXXVII held virtually at the Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java Province, Wednesday (9/9). (Photo by: BPMI)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has urged Minister of Youth and Sports, the National Sports Council (KONI), and the Indonesian Olympic Committee (KOI) to improve national sports achievements by utilizing the latest science and technology.

“If our sports achievements are still not good enough, it probably means that we have not used the right method. We have to carry out a total review,” the President said in his remarks at the commemoration of National Sports Day (Haornas) XXXVII held virtually at the Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java Province, Wednesday (9/9).

The President went on to say that a total review of national sports achievements and athlete coaching management is necessary.

“Do design well-synergized management for athlete development at central and regional levels, at general educational institutions and sports educational institutions. Do increase the synergy between sports organizations and Ministry of Youth and Sports,” the President said.

Furthermore, the President said that science and technology utilization does not only aim at developing science-based training centers but also aim at developing better new management.

“Develop an information system and data analytics that can identify qualified athlete candidates. Remember that our population is more than 267 million people and it is dominated by young people,” the President added.

“It makes no sense if we lack talented athletes, we must have millions of young people who are talented,” he said.

On that occasion, the President also has ordered Minister of Youth and Sports to invite all relevant parties to massively redesign the athlete coaching system and to report the results immediately.

“Once again, as a big country we should have big names in international sports competitions. We have had big names in several sports at the international level, and we still have big names,” he added.

The Head of State also expressed his appreciation and gratitude to athletes across the country who have struggled to raise the Red and White flag and to echo the national anthem Indonesia Raya, and those who have made Indonesia proud in international arenas.

“Ladies and gentlemen, your accomplishments are always engraved on the history of Indonesian sports,” the President said.

At the end of his remarks, the President encouraged the public to make sports as part of a healthy lifestyle.

“Healthy society makes a strong country. By saying bismillahirrahmanirrahim, we start a new spirit of sports for our country, an advanced Indonesia,” the President concluded. (FID / EN)

Translated by: Syarifah Aisyah
Reviewed by: Mia Medyana