Jakarta, IO – President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo gave his appreciation to the 2023 SEA Games athletes with bonus worth Rp289 billion, Monday (5/6).
“On behalf of the people, on behalf of the nation, on behalf of the country, I express my deepest gratitude and appreciation for your struggle and hard work in making these achievements,” Jokowi said, according to a broadcast from Setkab.go.id, Tuesday (6/6).
Jokowi admitted that he was very proud of Indonesia’s achievements in this year’s edition of the SEA Games. From the 69 gold medals targeted, Indonesia managed to grab 87 gold medals, 80 silver medals and 109 bronze medals.
“I am very happy and proud seeing that the gold medal tally has jumped to 87,” he said.
He specially mentioned the national teams performance in four sports, namely women’s basketball, men’s indoor hockey, women’s cricket and men’s football which ended the country’s long wait for gold medals.
The last time women’s basketball team won gold was 64 years ago. For the men’s indoor hockey and women’s cricket, these were their first golds ever. And in men’s football, the gold medal has been eluded the national team (Timnas) for 32 years.
Jokowi asked the athletes to continue improving their performance and making achievements. He also advised them to use the bonus from the government wisely.
“Don’t use it to buy luxury items that are of little benefits,” he said jokingly. (un)