Remarks of President of the Republic of Indonesia During the Handover of Bonuses to the Athletes of the 32nd SEA Games at the Front Yard of Merdeka Palace, Jakarta Special Capital Region, June 5, 2023
Bismillahirrahmanirrahim,
Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.
Good afternoon,
May peace be upon us all,
Om swastiastu,
Namo buddhaya,
Greetings of Virtue.
Distinguished Heads of State Institutions, Ministers, Chairperson of the National Olympic Committee (NOC), Chairperson of the Indonesian National Sports Committee, Chairpersons of Sports Associations,
Distinguished coaches, athletes, officials, and supporting workers,
Ladies and Gentlemen, Esteemed Guests.
We all remember that during the send-off ceremony of the Indonesian contingent, I asked Minister of Youth and Sports about the medal target.
He said, “We can achieve a minimum of 60 [gold] medals, Sir,” to which I replied, “I don’t want 60 [gold] medals. I want [them] to achieve a minimum of 69 [gold] medals.”
In [the 32nd SEA Games] in Cambodia, we secured 87 gold medals, 80 silver medals, and 109 bronze medals. I noticed that the bonusses would be higher. We have calculated that the bonuses amount to Rp289 billion for athletes, coaches, coach assistants.
Among all athletes who have won gold, silver, bronze medals, what surprises me most now is that women’s basketball who have won gold medal after waiting for 64 years. Women’s basketball team, please raise your hands! Okay, one, two, three representatives.
Men’s indoor hockey and women’s cricket have also won their first gold medals since participating at the SEA Games. Men’s indoor hockey and women’s cricket teams, please raise your hands! Men’s football also have won gold medal after waiting for 32 years. Once again, we have ended 32-year wait. Men’s football team, please raise your hands! Okay, all of you are at the back. I think everyone is delighted and proud of the success of all athletes who have secured 87 gold medals.
To that end, on behalf of the people, the nation, the Government, I would like to extend my gratitude for the hard work of all of you including medalists, athletes, coaches, coach assistants, officials, and all of you who have given their best.
Minister of Youth and Sports has told you earlier on how much the bonuses will be based on the medals so I don’t need to repeat it. Once again, the total bonus of Rp289 billion will be distributed to all recipients.
I’d like to remind all of you to optimize the bonuses especially for long-term investments. Do not spend it on useless luxurious goods. When you spend it on medium- or long-term investments, in the future the price will be higher. When you use the bonus to buy cars now, next year the value will drop. It is the difference between investment and non-investment. I remind all of you because you still have times to improve your achievements in the future.
That concludes my speech on this auspicious occasion.
Once again, congratulations!
I thank you.
Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.
(AP/RAS/EP)