President Jokowi Welcomes the Medal Winners of Asian Games 2018

TIMESINDONESIA, JAKARTA – Indonesian athletes who got the Asian Games 2018 medal welcomed by President Joko Widodo at the State Palace on Sunday (02/09/2018).

President Joko Widodo expressed his pride for Indonesia's achievements in the Asian Games 2018.

"Today I am very happy. This afternoon the Asian Games will be closed soon, but it feels like it will be opened again. I want to ride the motorbike again. I want an additional of 31 gold medals. I want Indonesia Raya sung again and red and white hoisted. Indonesia is proud of official and coaches sincerity. Proud of the athlete's struggle, "said the President.

In the eyes of President Jokowi, the number of medals and rankings that far exceeded the target set was an achievement that must be grateful for all Indonesian people. Achievements that are not only shock Indonesia, but also the world.

"We used to target 16 gold, many were skeptical and pessimistic. I talked many times to Mr. JK (Vice President Jusuf Kalla) is it really true? I don't know, even though I always come to see the preparation, horse racing, martial arts, volleyball,  beach volleyball, and some other branches. I don't know what the recipe is, but what I know for sure is because of the hard work of athletes and coaches, "said Jokowi.

According to the Chef de Mission of Indonesian Contingent, Syafruddin, the Indonesia's achievements in the Asian isn't spared from the support and full attention of the President and all the people of Indonesia which is an extraordinary energy for the athletes and team's officials in the arena.

Furthermore, as the Chef de Mission (CdM) Indonesian Contingent which will soon end as soon as the Asian Games is closed, Syafruddin hopes that the XVIII Asian Games can become a revival momentum of national sports. It spreads to all aspects of Indonesian life, nationality and unity.

At the gathering moment for the President and the Asian Games medalist athlete, President Joko Widodo also symbolically handed bonuses to the athletes who won gold, silver and bronze medals, each of them are three athletes.

The government has decided the award to the athletes, coaches and assistant coaches whose teams have won medals at the Asian Games 2018.

For gold medalists, they will receive a cash bonus of Rp. 1.5 billion, plus a house in type of 36, and get a priority "seat" to become a civil servant.

For athletes and double coaches and teams also get bonuses whose amount is determined in vary.

Until the final day of the Asian Games, Indonesian athletes and officials had followed 435 matches and managed to establish themselves in the fourth place, with a total of 98 medals, consisting of 31 gold, 24 silver and 43 bronze medals.

This achievement far exceeds the government target, namely 16 gold medals and in the position of top 10. (*)

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