Remarks of President Joko Widodo in the Send-off Ceremony for 2016 Indonesian Olympic Contingent, on 22 June 2016 at 09.30 p.m., in the Merdeka Palace Courtyard, Jakarta
Bismillahirrahmanirrahim,
Assalamualaikum warrahmatullahi wabarakaatuh,
Good morning, may prosperity be upon us all,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
In 1952, 64 years ago, it was our very first time to participate in the Olympic Games in Helsinki, Finland. I can imagine how tremendous the spirit of the Indonesian athletes and coaches was at that time. I believe the Indonesian Team that will go to Rio de Janeiro this year have the similar spirit to present the best achievements of Indonesia, to raise the name of Indonesia in the world stage.
I have received information that until now we have earned 27 medals in the previous Olympics. I am waiting for the 28th, 29th, 30th medals, and so forth that would make the country, the nation, and the people of Indonesia proud.
Beloved athletes,
The more important thing than earning medals is that I hope that all athletes could show to the world that Indonesia is a great, strong and competitive nation, and has a winning mentality. Show to the world that Indonesian people can always keep fair play and discipline, not arrogant, because I believe that all Indonesian people have those principal values, but it hardly shows. Thus, by showing those principal values in the Olympic Games, I hope that it would be an inspiration for all of us, for Indonesian people.
Last but not least, I wish the team good luck for raising the name of Indonesia. In our homeland, I am waiting for Indonesia Raya (the national anthem) to resound in Rio de Janeiro. Good luck!
Thank you,
Wassalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. (Humas Setkab)(DR/AW/Naster)