“If we secure around 80 to 85 gold medals, that aligns with our previous target of finishing third,” he told reporters.
Thohir said medal projections from all sports show potential for more than 120 golds, but an internal review concluded that a realistic estimate is closer to 80.
His ministry is also reassessing funding needs, with the latest proposed budget reaching Rp66 billion (US$3.8 million) to accommodate the athlete quota requested by national sports federations.
Thohir said the 2025 SEA Games results will serve as a benchmark for his ministry’s long-term program, which includes preparing a performance roadmap toward the 2028 Olympics.
He urged all stakeholders, especially the 48 competing sports, to demonstrate full commitment and deliver strong results that uphold Indonesia’s sporting reputation.
“I ask every sport to contribute medals, because this will be important evaluation material,” he stressed.
Related news: RI's SEA Games medal targets set based on data, Sports Ministry says
Chef de Mission for the 2025 SEA Games Bayu Priawan Djokosoetono said his team has been motivating athletes, coaches, and officials across dozens of national training camps.
During his visits, he said he observed athletes showing strong determination and a sense of responsibility by training intensively, maintaining discipline, and staying focused on their competitive goals.
“We are all confident we can deliver the best possible performance,” Djokosoetono said.
He also called on the public to support and pray for Indonesian athletes as they aim to bring home medals from the regional competition.
The 2025 SEA Games will take place in Thailand from December 9 to 20.
At the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia, Indonesia finished third overall with 276 medals: 87 gold, 80 silver, and 109 bronze.
Related news: Four former SEA Games medalists return to Indonesia boxing team
Translator: Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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