Jakarta, IO – President Joko Widodo said he would give rewards to Indonesian national men’s football team which won a gold medal after defeating Thailand in SEA Games 2023, Tuesday (16/5).
Jokowi did not specifically say what the rewards would be, but he stated that he was so proud of the Garuda Muda’s victory after a long 32-year wait for another gold medal at the biennial regional sporting event.
“We will think about the rewards later, there will be definitely one. All Indonesian people have been waiting for this moment, it’s been 32 years,” said Jokowi, reported Katadata, Thursday (17/5).
Jokowi viewed the achievement as epitomizing the team’s winning mentality to endure and conquer opponents. Of the five Indonesian goals created in the match, three were scored in extra time. Jokowi admitted that he was extremely happy when he watched the match with several ministers and members of the Presidential Security Detail (Paspampres).
Read: Indonesian National Football Team Ends 32 Years Wait For SEA Games Gold Medal
“I was screaming, even jumping up and down. I congratulated everyone, but it turned out that the match was still not over,” said Jokowi.
Jokowi said the victory that night was the result of a hard and ceaseless work. According to him, the victory was also the fruit of domestic competitions and training camps. “Once again, congratulations,” he said with glee. (un)