TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo granted bonuses of up to Rp289 billion to 599 athletes who earned medals at the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia. The bonus is also honored to coaches and assistant coaches.

He mentioned that he initially targeted Minister Youth and Sports Dito Ariotejo to bag 69 gold medals in the biennial multi-sport event. However, the gold medal tally jumped to 89.

“I think the bonus turns out to be really big. We calculated the amount reaching Rp289 billion,” he said at the State Palace, Central Jakarta, on Monday, June 5, 2023.

Meanwhile, Minister Dito Ariotejo explained that the total medals won by Indonesian athletes are 87 gold medals, 80 silver medals, and 109 bronze medals.

Indonesia, he went on, managed to become the overall champion for 8 sports, namely badminton, weightlifting, bicycle racing, tennis, esports, volleyball, pencak silat, and wushu.

The state head further suggested athletes who received the bonus to use the prize money for long-term investments. He believed that the investment value will continue to increase and be then beneficial for athletes and sports activists.

“I advise [athletes] to make the best use of this bonus, such as particularly for long-term investment. Don't buy luxury goods that are not useful,” President Jokowi made suggestions before athletes and coaches.

M JULNIS FIRMANSYAH | ANTARA

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