"Compete with all your heart, maintain concentration, show courage, be confident, stay disciplined, and always remain humble," the president told the athletes during the send-off event held at the State Palace, Jakarta, on Friday.
The president highlighted that the athletes have been given the opportunity and honor to represent Indonesia, expressing hope that they can emerge as champions in Southeast Asia's biggest multi-sport event.
"Fight for your country, and if you are successful, your name will never fade from the conversations, the memories, and the narratives of the entire Indonesian nation," he remarked in his speech.
While it is not easy for athletes, especially amid the recent devastating floods and landslides that hit Sumatra, the president encouraged the athletes to stay spirited for the competition, to never easily surrender, and to remain fearless against any challenge.
On the same occasion, Youth and Sports Minister Erick Thohir asserted that the Indonesian contingent had been prepared to participate in the multi-sport event, which will take place from December 9 to 20, 2025.
For this year's edition, the Indonesian contingent is participating in 48 sports and has undergone centralized training for about two and a half months.
Minister Thohir reported that the Indonesian contingent consists of 1,021 athletes in total, making it the fourth-largest contingent after Thailand, the Philippines, and Malaysia.
He set a target for Indonesia to maintain its third place in the medal tally achieved at the previous SEA Games in Cambodia, during which Indonesia successfully bagged 87 gold, 80 silver, and 109 bronze medals.
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Translator: Mentari Dwi, Raka Adji
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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