President Prabowo Subianto Calls for Stronger Sports Development to Build a Winning Nation

President Prabowo Subianto Thursday (10/29) emphasized that sports hold vital significance for the nation’s honor and strength.

According him , athletic achievements reflect not only individual athletes’ capabilities but also a nation’s spirit and fighting resolve.

The President made the statement in his remarks at the commendation and award ceremony for medal-winning athletes of the 20th Asian Games and the 5th Asian Para Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026, held at the courtyard of the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta.

“Sports are a matter of national honor. A strong nation reflects the strength of its people. The people with vigor and spirit form a spirited nation. Such a nation cannot be conquered. We aspire to be a nation of honor,” the President stated.

The President also extended his appreciation to all athletes, coaches, and members of the Indonesian contingent who had fought to represent the nation at Asian sports stage and hailed the athletes as the nation’s finest sons and daughters who had fought to defend Indonesia’s honor.

“You are the finest sons and daughters of our nation. You have fought hard to defend our nation’s honor, and for that, I express my deepest gratitude,” he remarked.

The President also commended Indonesia’s achievements at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games and Asian Para Games.

At the Asian Games, Indonesia secured 5 gold, 11 silver, and 23 bronze medals, bringing its total to 39 medals and surpassing its target of four gold medals. Meanwhile, at the Asian Para Games, Indonesia earned 15 gold, 21 silver, and 37 bronze medals, for a total of 73 medals, far exceeding the seven-gold target.

Nevertheless, the President cautioned against becoming complacent with these achievements. As one of the world’s largest countries, he noted that Indonesia must keep working and strive even harder to improve its athletic performance.

“We must not be be complacent. We are the fourth largest country in the world, and we must strive even harder,” the President affirmed.

In this regard, the President had instructed Minister of Youth and Sports Erick Thohir to strengthen long-term, more systematic athletic development. The program would begin at primary school age, alongside improvements to educational facilities and sports infrastructure across regions.

“We must nurture talent from elementary school age. To that end, we will improve schools throughout Indonesia,” the President said.

The President added that each regency was expected to establish flagship schools, while schools in every subdistrict would be continuously upgraded and equipped with better sports facilities.

The Head of State also underscored that the bonuses awarded by the Government to athletes and coaches were not merely prizes for medal achievements, but formal state recognition for their hard work and dedication.

“Bonuses are not merely gifts; they represent recognition and appreciation for all your effort,” the President noted.

The President also called on all national sports stakeholders to strengthen collaboration and develop more systematic measures for the future of Indonesian athletics.

“Once again, we still have a long way to go. We must work harder and be more systematic. To the country’s leaders and those managing our sports, let us unite and strive to formulate the best steps for our nation, for our children, and for the future of Indonesia,” the President stated.

Concluding his address, the President encouraged the athletes to continue achieving excellence and helping Indonesia become a nation capable of competing and winning.

“Thank you for your efforts, thank you for bringing honor to Indonesia. Keep fighting, keep excelling, Indonesia must become a winning nation,” the President concluded. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (YA/MEP)