President Prabowo Subianto Directs Major Boost to Athlete Welfare and Sports Development

President Prabowo Subianto Tuesday (11/25) receives Minister of Youth and Sports Erick Thohir at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta. (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)

During a meeting held at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Tuesday (11/25), President Prabowo Subianto issued three key directives to Minister of Youth and Sports Erick Thohir, emphasizing the enhancement of athletes’ welfare and strengthening the national sports development ecosystem.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, the Minister stated that President Prabowo Subianto emphasized the need to prioritize athletes’ welfare.

“The President wants to ensure that the welfare of athletes remains a top priority. He has asked me to follow up on three specific areas. First, I have been tasked to review the allocation of LPDP (Endowment Fund for Education) athlete scholarships,” he said.

The President, he added, also proposed career opportunities in the public sector for distinguished athletes and is reviewing the bonus scheme for athletes competing in the SEA Games, Asian Games, and Olympics in coordination with Ministry of Finance.

“The figures cannot be disclosed yet as I have to consult with Ministry of Finance first to ensure careful planning of the State Budget,” the Minister said.

The Minister added that the Head of State also decided on a new legal framework that will serve as the basis for the Government’s focus on 21 sports leading up to the Olympics. He further noted that within the long-term preparation strategy, the SEA Games and Asian Games will serve as intermediate milestones.

“We must be fully efficient and precise, ensuring that athletes are selected based on clear targets specific to the sports, rather than by random choice,” Erick said.

To enhance the coaching system, Erick also said that the President had ordered the development of a National Sports Center, which will feature a sports academy, dormitory facilities, integrated training facilities, and the best health services for athletes.

These facilities are designed to ensure that young athletes continue to receive a good education while undergoing intensive training, he added.

“Young athletes aged 12 should remain in school, ensuring their education is balanced with training until they advance to the next stage of their careers or achieve significant milestones,” he added.

The Minister also stated that a 300-hectare plot of land has been set aside by the President for the development of the sports center; however, the exact location remains undisclosed as administrative processes are still underway. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (FI/EP)