Release Indonesian Contingent for 29th SEA Games, President Jokowi: Make Us Proud
President Jokowi releases Indonesian contingent who will compete in the 29th SEA Games 2017, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in the central courtyard of Presidential Palace, Monday (7/8). (Photo: PR/Oji)
President Joko Jokowi Widodo attended the ceremony of the release of the Indonesian contingent who will compete in the 29th SEA Games 2017, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in the central courtyard of Presidential Palace, on Monday (7/8) morning.
After the athletes, officials, and coaches sang Indonesias national anthem Indonesia Raya, Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Puan Maharani then delivered her reports. President Jokowi handed over a Red and White flag to the Indonesias Chief de Mission Azis Syamsuddin.
In his direction, President Jokowi reminded the athletes that they compete representing Indonesia, a country that won 10 time-overall champions in the SEA Games. “It needs to be remembered. The country with the largest population in Southeast Asia, 250 million inhabitants, who fully support you all to make our nation proud,” the President said.
President Jokowi asserted that if they fall, then 250 million people of Indonesia will cry as well. On the contrary, when they triumph, 250 million Indonesians will also be on cloud nine since they feel the euphoria as well.
One thing that is more important than the medals, according to the President, is to show the world that Indonesia is a strong nation, a nation that is capable of competing, has winning mentality, upholds the principles of fair play and discipline. “Be a source of inspiration, a source of optimism for all the people of Indonesia who will witness your struggles,” the President said.
“From Indonesia, I am waiting for our national anthem Indonesia Raya reverberating in the 29th SEA Games 2017, and the Red and White flag waves proudly representing the pride of the Indonesian nation,” the President said.
After President Jokowi gave directions, the event was concluded with a prayer together, a photo group session, and martial arts performances presented by the Pencak Silat Indonesia contingent, as well as table tennis games between President Jokowi and Erick Thohir against Susi Susanti and Yopie Warsono.
Attending the event were Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Puan Maharani, Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung, Minister of Youth and Sports Imam Nahrawi, Chairman of the Indonesian Olympic Committee (KOI) Erick Thohir, Chairman of the Indonesian National Sports Committee (KONI) Tono Suratman, Chairman of the General Unit for Executive Program of Indonesia Emas or Satlak Prima (a task force assigned to prepare athletes, to further discuss potential sports that could contribute medals and expand Indonesia’s achievements in the future) Sutjipto, Indonesias Chief de Mission for the 29th SEA Games 2017 Azis Syamsudin, the athletes, officials, and coaches. (FID/OJI/ES) (MUR/YM/Naster).
