Hence, I trust you (to use the money well) because you still have a long way to go (in developing your careers as athletes).Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has asked all athletes, coaches, and assistant coaches who have been awarded a bonus for winning medals at the 2023 Cambodian SEA Games to use the money to make a long-term investment.
“I trust you to make the best use of this bonus, especially for making a long-term investment. Do not (use the money to) purchase luxury goods, which are not useful," he advised while handing the bonuses to recipients at Merdeka Palace here on Monday.
The government has provided a total bonus of at least Rp289 billion (US$19.17 million) for SEA Games medallists.
Athletes competing in individual events have been given Rp525 million (US$34.8 thousand) as bonus for winning gold, Rp315 million (US$20.9 thousand) for silver, and Rp157.5 million (US$10.45 thousand) for bronze.
Meanwhile, athletes participating in team events have received Rp420 million (US$27.8 thousand) for gold medals, Rp252 million (US$16.7 thousand) for silver, and Rp126 million (US$8.36 thousand) for bronze medals.
The President said that if the rewards are utilized for making an investment or purchasing goods that have high medium- or long-term investment value, such as shares, land, or houses, the value of the money will continue to increase.
He added that if recipients waste their money, for instance, by buying a car whose price may decline to half its original value when sold the following year, it would not be considered an investment.
“Hence, I trust you (to use the money well) because you still have a long way to go (in developing your careers as athletes)," he remarked.
Widodo also expressed his appreciation for the SEA Games achievements of the Indonesian contingent, which far exceeded the target.
“On behalf of the Indonesian people and the government, I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation for the struggle of my brothers and sisters… who have worked hard to achieve the medals," he said.
The contingent was targeting to bag 69 gold medals. However, they managed to snatch 87 gold medals in addition to 80 silver medals and 109 bronze medals.
The President said that among the achievements that made the country proud were the first gold medals bagged by the women's basketball team, men's indoor hockey team, and women's six-a-side (6s) cricket team.
Furthermore, the men’s U-22 football team managed to bring home a gold medal after a gap of 32 years.
"I think all (Indonesian) people are very happy and proud of the surge in the number of gold medals won (at the Cambodian SEA Games), which were 87 medals, (compared to the prior edition in which they took 69 gold medals),” Widodo added.
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Translator: Rangga Jingga, Uyu Liman
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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