Jakarta, IO – President Joko Widodo appreciated the achievements of athletes and coaches of the 31st SEA Games in Vietnam by doling out Rp160 billion in bonus on Monday (13/6).
“Today we are giving bonus to athletes, coaches, and assistant coaches; approximately Rp130.5 billion to athletes, and Rp32 billion to coaches and assistant coaches, a figure that is not insignificant. Hopefully this will inspire and motivate other athletes so that later in any international event, they can make the nation and state proud,” said Jokowi in his official statement.
Jokowi expressed his pride that of the 499 athletes sent to compete in Vietnam, 408 athletes managed to win medals of either gold, silver or bronze. “This means that 82 percent of the athletes returned to the homeland with medals,” said Jokowi.
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The number of Indonesian athletes competing in 31st SEA Games declined by about 40.67 percent compared to 841 in the 30th edition. However, this did not dilute the achievements. The Indonesian contingent managed to rank third with a total of 241 medals (69 golds, 92 silvers, and 80 bronzes). (rr)