Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) is optimistic of Indonesia achieving its target of winning 16 gold medals in the 18th Asian Games currently co-hosted by Jakarta and Palembang, South Sumatra Province, on August 18-September 2, 2018.

"I think there are still several opportunities in several sports branches," President Jokowi noted here, Monday.

Indonesia has opportunities of winning gold medals in pencak silat, badminton, karate, jet ski, wall climbing, and canoe, according to the head of state.

In response to the press` questions, Jokowi said he would most likely watch the pencak silat matches today.

As of Monday morning, Indonesia ranks fifth in the medals tally of the Asian Games 2018 after China, Japan, South Korea, and Iran.

The host country has clinched 51 medals comprising 13 gold medals, 13 silver medals, and 25 bronze medals.

Meanwhile, Indonesia is optimistic of winning gold medals in pencak silat in the eight finals of the Asian Games 2018 held at the Pencak Silat Hall, Beautiful Indonesian in Miniature Park, here, Monday.

The final matches comprise categories of women`s individual, men`s doubles, men`s team, men`s class B (50-55 kg), women`s class B, men`s class C (55-60 kg), women`s class C, and men`s class E (65-70 kg).

Indonesia`s pencak silat athletes competing in the Asian Games 2018 are Komang Harik Adi Putra, Iqbal Candra Pratama, Abdul Malik, Wewey Wita, Pipiet Khamelia, Sarah Tria Monita, Hanifan Yudani Kusumah, and Aji Bangkit Pamungkas.

Malik will fight against M. Nasir Muhammad Faizul from Malaysia, Wewei Wita against Trans Thi Them of Vietnam, Hanifan Yudani Kusumah vs Nguyen Thai Linh of Vietnam, and Komang Harik Adi Putra vs Mohd Al Jufferi Jamari from Malaysia.

This year, pencak silat, Indonesia`s traditional martial arts, is making its debut at the Asian Games.

Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan, Brunei Darussalam, India, Nepal, Laos, Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, Vietnam, Chinese Taipei, Vietnam, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan are the 16 countries participating in pencak silat in the 18th Asian Games.

Reporting by Agus Salim
Editing by Fardah

Reporter: Antara
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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