Presidential spokesman Julian Aldrin Pasha told the press at the presidential palace complex here on Monday that the head of state was proud of the achievement made by the national athletes, including the football national team which will play against Malaysian in the final on Monday afternoon.
"The president appreciates the athletes especially those winning medals that leads (the nation) to become the overall winner. The president very much appreciates that, including of course the national football team playing tonight," Julian said.
However, the president will not go to Bung Karno Sports Stadium to watch Indonesia versus Malaysia.
The president also expressed gratitude to all people who had contributed for the success of the SEA Games implementation and the victory of Indonesia in the regional sport event.
Julian said Yudhoyono appreciated the sports and youth affairs ministry, the National Sport Committee (KONI), coaches, officials and athletes being involved in the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.
The 26th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games is being held in Palembang (South Sumatra Province) and Jakarta, from November 11 to 22, 2011.
The 11 participating countries in the SEA Games are Indonesia, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Timor Leste.
Overall, the Indonesian contingent has achieved its target of grabbing at least 150 gold medals as until the tenth day of the 26th Southeast Asian Games on Sunday it had collected 154 goldswhile securing first position as the overall champion for the first time since 1997.
(Uu.F001/HAJM/O001)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
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