The athletes, including the national U-22 football team, which bagged the gold medal for winning against Thailand in the final match on Tuesday (May 16), arrived at the Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) Sports Complex, the end point of their parade, at 11:21 a.m. local time.
"I express gratitude for all support for the Indonesian contingent and for praying for our victory in the men's football after our 32-year wait," Minister of Youth and Sports Dito Ariotedjo stated after the parade.
He also commended the Indonesian contingent for winning a total of 87 gold medals, 80 silver medals, and 109 bronze medals in this edition's SEA Games.
Meanwhile, Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) Chairperson Erick Thohir is upbeat that the "mental revolution" set into motion by the football team's victory would trigger the awakening and advancement of national sports.
Thohir, who joined the parade, also urged residents to wait for the next victories in the upcoming Asian Games, as he will prepare the football team for intensive training.
Residents thronged the sides of the parade route and at the athletes' parade end point at the GBK Sports Complex from 9 a.m. local time to express their pride and praise for the athletes, who have fought for Indonesia in the SEA Games.
They enthusiastically welcomed the athletes arriving at the GBK Sports Complex at 11:21 a.m. local time, and the athletes warmly greeted and shook hands with residents, who waited for them while getting off the bus.
For the parade, the Greater Jakarta Police mobilized 587 personnel to secure and escort the athletes, and the police's Traffic Directorate also diverted the traffic at the Sudirman-Thamrin road.
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Translator: Luthfia Miranda P, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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