Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesia`s President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has confirmed that Asian Para Games` medalists will receive the same bonus as that offered to prior Asian Games` medalists.

"I have said that there will be no differences. It (the bonus) is same," he remarked during a visit to the Asian Para Games athletes` training center at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium complex here on Thursday.

The same is also relevant for the Para Games athletes to apply for the post of government official and state-owned enterprises` employee.

Speaking in connection with whether the bonus would be transferred before the Asian Para Games` closing event, Jokowi said it was up to Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Inderawati.

"As soon as we have the money, we will send it immediately," he noted.

According to the bonus received by Asian Games` athletes, the nominal amount was Rp1.5 billion without tax for a gold medalist, Rp1 billion per person for double players, and Rp750 million per person for group.

For a silver medalist, a singles player received Rp500 million, Rp400 million per person for doubles players, and Rp300 million per person for group.

The bronze medalist received Rp250 million for a singles event, Rp200 million per person for doubles, and Rp150 million per person for group.

The government also offered bonus to the medalist`s coach, of which Rp450 million was given for a gold medal won, Rp150 million for silver medal, and Rp75 million for bronze medal.

The coach-assistant was given Rp300 million for gold, Rp100 million for silver, and Rp50 million for bronze.

Minister of Youth and Sport Imam Nahrawi claimed that the transfer of bonus to the medalists and their coaches and coach-assistants of the Asian Games 2018 was the fastest in the history, as the money had been added to their account balance starting from today, or less than a month after the closing event on Sept 2.

Nahrawi also confirmed Jokowi`s statement that the government will offer opportunities to athletes to apply for post of public officials in which for the Youth and Sport Ministry alone, it would be announced today at 4 p.m. local time.

"It is applicable for all medalists, but it is up to them to take it or not, as some process is involved to be a government employee," he stated, adding that former medalists will serve in the national training center, with a guaranteed monthly salary.

After the 18th Asian Games ended on Sept 2, Indonesia will again host the second largest multi-sport event of the Asian Para Games 2018 for athletes with disabilities in Jakarta on Oct 6-13.





Reporting by Agus Salim
Editing by Yoseph Hariyadi

Reporter: Azizah Fitriyanti
Editor: Andi Abdussalam
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