There should be no more former national athletes who live in hardship in their old age. We must appreciate their contribution to the nation('s honor)Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Manpower Ministry has said that social security is a form of appreciation for athletes who have contributed to Indonesia through their achievements.
"There should be no more former national athletes who live in hardship in their old age. We must appreciate their contribution to the nation('s honor)," director general of manpower supervision and occupational safety and health at the Manpower Ministry, Haiyani Rumondang, said in a written statement here on Tuesday.
Social security for professional athletes is a form of the state's gratitude for sports-related achievements, he added. Through the social security program, athletes can focus on making great achievements.
His administration will continue to ensure that all administrators and professional athletes, such as basketball, football, and volleyball athletes who are members of League 1, League 2, and League 3, have social security, which includes work accident insurance, death insurance, and old age insurance.
Special Staff at the Manpower Ministry, Dita Indah Sari, said that social security is very important for professional footballers and athletes when they get injured or grow older.
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“Injuries and old age are bad news for professional athletes. The Manpower Ministry, together with Social Security (BP Jamsostek), ensures the (support for athletes). This was a series of activities which we have initiated since last year,” she informed.
Sari said that the provision of social security is in line with the National Sports System Law stipulated by the government and the House of Representatives, which designates administrators, footballers, and professional athletes as the program's recipients.
Thus, there are parties who pay them, she said. This collective agreement is geared to achieve a truly professional goal. Furthermore, the National Sporting System Act also regulates the contribution of supporters to the clubs they support.
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“The fans are part of the club. They can own stock or a line of business that the club releases. This means that we are heading towards a modern sport; thus, we are conducting socialization for administrators and professional athletes in North Sumatra," she said.
Social security information dissemination for professional footballers and athletes in North Sumatra has involved 15 football clubs, which are currently competing in Liga 2 and Liga 3.
Aside from BP Jamsostek, the ministry has also collaborated with PSSI, PT LIB, the Association of National Professional Players, Asprov, Medan, and basketball and volleyball managers.
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Translator: Hreeloita D S, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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