Developments in the Thailand-Cambodia situation will be a factor in determining Indonesia’s participation in the 2025 SEA Games, which Thailand is set to host this December.
“Certainly, we, at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, along with the Indonesian National Olympic Committee (NOC), are continuing to monitor the latest developments (in the Thailand-Cambodia clash) for (decisions regarding) the SEA Games,” he told the media in Jakarta on Monday.
He acknowledged the intensity of the conflict, noting that reports from Thailand confirmed 35 deaths in the ongoing armed clashes as of Sunday.
Indonesia has yet to make a definitive decision regarding its participation in the Games.
Ariotedjo stressed that his ministry will prioritize the safety and well-being of the Indonesian contingent, adapting its approach based on the escalation of the conflict.
Despite the volatility, Ariotedjo confirmed that preparations for the SEA Games are continuing.
Top athletes from various sports disciplines are currently participating in national training camps to prepare for the competition.
“In principle, we, from Indonesia, are preparing the best athletes to be ready to compete,” he affirmed.
Thailand is scheduled to host the 2025 Southeast Asian Games from December 9–25.
The conflict between Thailand and Cambodia stems from a long-standing border dispute centered on Preah Vihear province in Cambodia and Ubon Ratchathani province in northeastern Thailand, with border tensions escalating significantly since May 28.
After five days of fierce fighting, the leaders of Cambodia and Thailand on Monday agreed to a ceasefire, effective midnight, in a bid to bring an end to their deadliest conflict in more than a decade.
Amid an international effort to quell the conflict, the Thai and Cambodian leaders held talks in Malaysia, hosted by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the current chair of the ASEAN regional bloc, with both sides agreeing to halt hostilities and resume direct communication.
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Translator: Aloysius Lewokeda, Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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