"Congratulations to my good friend and my best friend Mr Subianto, the chairman of IPSI (Indonesian Pencak Silat Association) and also who leads pencak silat, on the success in the Asian Games," Jokowi stated, after watching pencak silat final matches in the Pencak Silat Hall located in the Beautiful Indonesia in Miniature Park (TMII), East Jakarta, on Wednesday.
From a total of 16 pencak silat events competed during the largest multi-sport event in Asia, Indonesia won 14 gold medals and one bronze medal.
Jokowi was present in the pencak silat finals, accompanied by Vice President M Jusuf Kalla, Indonesia`s fifth president Megawati Soekarnoputri, Chairman of the Indonesian Contingent at the 18th Asian Games Syafruddin, Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Puan Maharani, as well as Subianto, the rival of Jokowi in the previous and next presidential elections.
Indonesia`s victory in pencak silat was thanks to the support and prayers of the Indonesian public, Jokowi noted.
"Until today, (we have won) a total of 30 gold medals, and all of them are for the Mother Land," he remarked.
Retired general Subianto revealed that he was very proud that pencak silat was able to contribute gold medals to the nation.
"On behalf of the Indonesian nation, I want to convey my gratitude to everyone who supports and prays for Indonesia`s athletes, particularly pencak silat athletes," Subianto pointed out.
He appreciated Jokowi, Soekarnoputri, and other high-ranking officials for their presence to watch pencak silat finals.
On Aug 27, Indonesia clean swept eight gold medals in the pencak silat finals, followed by six gold medals and one bronze on Aug 29.
Reporting by Fiqih Arfani
Editing by Fardah
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Reporter: Antara
Editor: Andi Abdussalam
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