Still, we also think about their welfare and education.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian Youth and Sports Minister Zainudin Amali has guaranteed that the ministry will ensure the welfare of athletes, who have excelled in international competitions, upon retirement.

At an event titled "The Future of Indonesian Sports," Amali noted that the athletes’ welfare was regulated in the Great Design of National Sports (DBON) launched on September 9, 2021.

“Improving their achievements is just a downstream attempt, as it will be a long process. Still, we also think about their welfare and education," he stated in a press release on Sunday.

Based on his experience visiting the national training center, Amali often came across complaints from athletes, who were still in school at both the junior and senior high level.

The young athletes spoke of still receiving the same regular lessons as the general students, while they are also required to practice every day and compete.

The minister noted that in implementing the DBON, the ministry will also cooperate with the Education, Culture, Research, and Technology Ministry; the State-Owned Enterprises Ministry; the Home Affairs Ministry; as well as the Public Works and Public Housing Ministry to overcome obstacles faced by national athletes.

Moreover, Amali revealed that outstanding athletes also received guaranteed appointments as civil servants.

The minister remarked that some 300 athletes, who excelled at the 2018 Jakarta Asian Games, had been appointed as civil servants at the ministry.

“However, it does not mean that they have to work in the office. Athletes may continue pursuing what they do, while the coaches can keep coaching to continue to excel. I have also discussed with them about their retirement if it is not possible to serve as civil servants," Amali noted.

Moreover, in order to ensure the welfare of athletes when they retire, the ministry is ready to help the athletes that received huge bonuses and rewards to obtain financial consultation to enable them to manage their finances well while still being active athletes.

“We offer them a financial consultant, so they can manage their finance. The money should not be wasted. Thus, when they are not productive anymore, they do not run out of money. Still, the decision is on them whether they want to have the consultant. If they do not want it, we will not force it," he explained.

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Translator: Shofi Ayudiana, Uyu Liman
Editor: Sri Haryati
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