He conveyed the promise during the send-off ceremony for the Indonesian contingent at the State Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday, noting that the bonus triples the Rp1 billion awarded to gold medalists at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games.
While motivating Team Indonesia to clinch more Asian Games gold medals, the president assured that the government pays equal attention to athletes and coaches presenting silver and bronze medals in previous international sporting events.
Prabowo pointed to medalists serving in the police, saying that he had recommended them for promotion to the National Police (Polri) chief.
The head of state officially sent off 281 athletes representing Indonesia’s Asian Games 2026 contingent, which comprises a total of 430 contestants.
He marked the process by handing the red-and-white national flag over to speed climber Veddriq Leonardo, who won a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
“Today, I am proud of meeting you all. I would like to stress that sports are essential to our lives as a state and a nation,” he told the contingent, which was not complete as many athletes had already departed or arrived in Nagoya.
For example, training camps have begun in Japan for Indonesian athletes competing in basketball and wushu events.
“I offer my congratulations. I wish you safe travels as you set out to represent the state and the nation,” Prabowo said, urging the entire contingent to exert all-out efforts to do the country proud.
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Translator: Genta Tenri, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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