Certainly, we will continue all attempts that have been carried out (to prepare for those events) and optimize the implementation (of the events).Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has given three instructions regarding the development of sports to the new youth and sports minister Dito Ariotedjo who was inaugurated at the State Palace here on Monday.
After the inauguration ceremony, the minister told reporters that Widodo has asked him to prepare the Indonesian contingents for the 32nd SEA Games, which will take place from May 5–17, 2023, in Cambodia, and the 19th Asian Games, which will be held from September 23 to October 8 in China.
He said that the President has directed him to prioritize sending athletes for sports that Indonesia has the potential for winning.
"It (the participation of the athletes) must be efficient, still, we have to be able to get good results," he added.
Furthermore, President Widodo is expecting that different competitive leagues will be implemented massively at all education levels, both in schools and colleges, Ariotedjo disclosed.
He further said that the head of state has also asked the Youth and Sports Ministry to promote and hold inter-village leagues to increase the involvement of the community in sports.
Meanwhile, the third instruction has been to develop and advance the domestic sports industry ecosystem, he revealed.
"In addition, concerning the youths, the President wished the youths to be fostered to have entrepreneurial and professional skills as well as (for) the youth development index to improve,” the minister said.
This year, Indonesia will host the ANOC World Beach Games from August 15–20 in Bali, as well as co-host the FIBA Basketball World Cup with Japan and the Philippines from August 25 to September 10, he noted.
"Certainly, we will continue all attempts that have been carried out (to prepare for those events) and optimize the implementation (of the events)," Ariotedjo stated.
He added that his ministry will also continue the programs initiated by the previous minister Zainudin Amali such as the Grand Design of National Sports (DBON) and the National Youth Service Center.
The newly appointed minister is known for his active involvement in sports-related affairs. He served as the Chef de Mission of Indonesia's contingent for the 2018 Youth Olympics in Argentina and as a member of the Jakarta branch of the Indonesian Cycling Federation (ISSI) executive board.
Related news: Amali officially resigns as Youth and Sports Minister
Related news: President installs Dito Ariotedjo as youth and sports minister
Translator: Rangga Jingga, Uyu Liman
Editor: Azis Kurmala
Copyright © ANTARA 2023