The initiative aims to align the regional multi-sport event with Olympic disciplines.
“God willing, next February I will invite all sports ministers in Southeast Asia to start communicating this idea,” Erick said during a meeting with Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick Gregorio, according to a report published on the official website of Indonesia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports (Kemenpora) on Thursday.
Erick explained that the idea stemmed from Indonesia’s aspiration to enhance the sporting achievements of Southeast Asian nations, particularly in the Olympics, which remains the world’s most prestigious multi-sport competition.
He noted that Southeast Asian countries have shown steady progress, as reflected in the growing number of Olympic gold medalists from the region.
Erick cited the successes of a Singaporean swimmer and Indonesian athletes in weightlifting and sport climbing who earned gold medals at the Olympics.
By reshaping the SEA Games to mirror the Olympic model, Erick said, countries in Southeast Asia would be motivated to strengthen their national sports development programs and strategies, including Indonesia.
“With the major strategy of the SEA Games reflecting the Olympics, all Southeast Asian countries will refocus their national sports strategies,” he said.
Erick emphasized that Indonesia must not fall behind in efforts to enhance its competitiveness at both regional and global levels. “This is what we must uphold as a strong and great nation,” he added.
Meanwhile, Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick Gregorio expressed his support for the proposal and reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to work with Indonesia in improving performance at the Olympic level.
Gregorio said both nations celebrated historic victories at the Paris 2024 Olympics after securing gold medals, marking a milestone that underscored Southeast Asia’s growing presence on the global sporting stage.
“Together, we will build stronger and more united relations in international competitions,” Gregorio said.
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Translator: Primayanti
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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