“First, the president instructed us to finalize athlete scholarship allocations,” Thohir said, outlining the government’s effort to strengthen long-term athlete development.
The second directive, he said, concerns opening career opportunities for high-performing athletes to serve in the public sector after retirement from competition.
Prabowo also asked the ministry to review bonus schemes for athletes competing in the SEA Games, Asian Games and Olympics. Thohir said the figures cannot yet be disclosed pending consultations with the Finance Ministry.
“These directives reflect the president’s commitment to athlete welfare,” Thohir said, adding that financial planning must align with the national budget.
He said the president has also approved a new legal framework to support the government’s focus on 21 priority sports ahead of future Olympic cycles.
The SEA Games and Asian Games will serve as intermediate benchmarks within this long-term preparation strategy, he added.
“We must be efficient and targeted, ensuring athlete placement is not arbitrary but aligned with clear performance goals for each sport,” Thohir said.
Prabowo has also ordered the construction of a National Sports Center featuring an academy, athlete dormitories, integrated training facilities and comprehensive medical support.
The center, he said, will allow young athletes to pursue quality education alongside intensive training programs.
“Young athletes from age 12 should not have to abandon school. They must balance academics with training as they progress toward their next milestones,” Thohir said.
The president has allocated 300 hectares of land for the new facility, though its location cannot yet be announced as administrative processes are still underway.
“It will feature dormitories, training complexes and top-tier healthcare facilities. The president wants the best environment for our athletes,” Thohir said.
Translator: Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
