Ariotedjo succeeded Amali as the minister on April 3, 2023, following the latter's resignation after being elected as the deputy head of the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI).
"Yes, this is the legacy of Zainudin Amali. This is a historic legacy, and I am only continuing what my predecessor has done," he noted, according to a statement released on Wednesday.
The football team's achievement is the result of collaboration between the ministry, PSSI, the Indonesian National Sports Committee (KONI), and the Indonesian Olympic Committee (NOC), he emphasized.
"It is the cooperation that I believe can make Indonesia achieve even greater feats on the world stage if we continue to enhance it," the minister explained.
Ariotedjo expressed complete trust in the new PSSI leadership, under Chairperson Erick Thohir and Deputy Chairpersons Zainudin Amali and Ratu Tisha, to improve the football association. The success in clinching the gold medal after a 32-year wait is a testament to this.
"Since day one as a minister, I have said that PSSI is now in the right hands under the leadership of Mr. Erick, Mr. Zainudin Amali, and Ratu Risha. This win proves my words as a fact, not merely a claim or political statement," the minister stated.
Indonesia successfully defeated Thailand 5-2 in a dramatic 120-minute final match at the National Olympic Stadium on Tuesday evening (May 16).
The victory on Tuesday marked Indonesia's third win in men's football at the SEA Games. Indonesia previously won in men's football at the 1987 SEA Games in Jakarta and the 1991 SEA Games in Manila.
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Translator: Bayu Kuncahyo, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Anton Santoso
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