Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia After Watching the SEA Games Men’s Final Football Match, in Medan, North Sumatra Province, May 16, 2023

Reporter
You look so happy tonight, Sir, eating durian so late at night. What happened, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
I’m so happy, so happy, because Indonesia defeated Thailand 5-2. It is exactly as I mentioned earlier yesterday, that the mentality of a winner, of a champion, can be clearly seen from this team. They play without any burden. We have been waiting for 32 years to be the champion in Southeast Asia, 32 years.

I’ve made a promise this afternoon to the Ministers, Mr. Governor, and everyone else that if we win the match tonight, I’ll treat them all to Si Bolang to eat durians together. So, because we won, I had to treat them. That is the promise.

But this is awesome, awesome, awesome. The first and second goals scored by Ramadhan Sananta, then the third goal by Irfan Jauhari. They lifted our spirits. Then, the fourth goal by Fajar Faturrahman, it was an amazing goal. The last one, it was concluded by Beckham Putra. Five goals in total. It ended the match. Because previously I was mistaken. I already shook hands, celebrating, but apparently the game had not yet ended and suddenly they scored. We were shocked.

But once again, congratulations to all players, coach, officials, everyone. It is all thanks to the years of hard work, sustainable competition, then followed by the training camp. These steps are excellent.

Reporter
Is there any reward prepared for the…?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
We’ll think about it. But I can assure you that we will provide it, as it has been anticipated by all the people of Indonesia for 32 years.

Reporter
How was your feeling watching the match, Sir? Were you happy?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
I screamed, goal, screamed, jumped because as you saw, the agents of Presidential Guard Force and I already jumped and screamed. When the score was 2-2, I had shaken hands with everybody, but apparently the game still continued. But thank God, we should be grateful. It is a long process. Once again, congratulations, congratulations, congratulations, congratulations, congratulations.

 (AY/MUR)