Remarks of President of the Republic of Indonesia at the Welcoming of Indonesian Contingent Participating in the 31st SEA Games Vietnam 2021 at the Merdeka Palace, DKI Jakarta Province, June 13, 2022
Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.
Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,
Good morning,
May be peace upon us all,
Om swastiastu,
Namo buddhaya,
Greetings of Virtue.
Distinguished Ministers of the Indonesia Onward Cabinet,
Distinguished Chairperson of the National Olympic Committee, Chairperson of the National Sports Committee, as well as Chairpersons of Sport Federations;
Distinguished athletes, coaches, assistant coaches, and sport officials,
Ladies and Gentlemen.
This morning, I am proud, happy that 408 out of 499 athletes we had sent to the 31st SEA Games in Vietnam have won gold, silver, bronze medals. Once again, 408 out of 499 athletes have won medals. It means that 82 percent of Indonesian athletes participating in the Games have brought home the medals.
As Minister of Youth and Sports said that building a good ecosystem produces good results, focused works. We do not have to send as many athletes as possible compared to 840 athletes last year, but the results increase. As I have said prior to the Games, in 2015 Indonesia ranked fifth, in 2017 we also ranked fifth, while in 2019 we ranked fourth. This year, Indonesia has succeeded to secure the third place even though we only sent 499 athletes.
To that end, today we will hand out cash bonuses as appreciation for athletes, coaches, and assistant coaches. We hand out approximately Rp130.5 billion to athletes, while Rp32 billion to coaches, assistant coaches. It is not a small amount.
It is our hope that the bonuses handed out by the Government can inspire, motivate all athletes to work hard for achieving target at every international event and to give their best for the nation and country.
That concludes my speech on this auspicious occasion. Once again, congratulations.
I thank you.
Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.
Salam olahraga!
(AP/HD)