President Prabowo Subianto officially sent off the Indonesian contingent poised for competition at the SEA Games 2025, welcoming them with a ceremony at the State Palace in Jakarta on Friday, December 5. His message was clear: he expressed hope that the athletes would deliver their best performances and secure a significant haul of medals for the nation.
The highly anticipated SEA Games 2025, hosted in Thailand, is already underway this December. While the official opening ceremony is scheduled for December 9, several Indonesian athletes have already commenced their respective competitions. President Prabowo seized this pivotal moment to impart crucial directives and infuse the departing contingent with a potent sense of encouragement.
Addressing the athletes, President Prabowo underscored the profound honor bestowed upon them. “You have all trained, you have been selected, and you have received an honor not often granted to the sons and daughters of our nation,” Prabowo declared. “You have been given the opportunity, the honor, destined by the Almighty to represent the nation of Indonesia, to represent our nation, which is the fourth largest in the world.”
Building on this sentiment, Prabowo eloquently drew parallels between sports and life itself, describing it as an “analogy of life.” He elaborated on the historical significance, stating, “The history of Olympic sports is all about soldierly sports: running, javelin throw, shot put, high jump, long jump – all of them. Shooting, archery, horseback riding – all chivalrous sports, warrior sports. Because of this, it is highly prestigious. A nation that excels in sports is a nation with a strong spirit.”
With a strategic outlook, President Prabowo urged a blend of humility and ambition, stating, “Sometimes, we are too humble – that’s fine; let them underestimate us. Then, suddenly, we emerge. We emerge as a great nation – that is all of our hope. Thank you for your fighting spirit; the state and nation await your achievements. Thank you. Good luck in your struggle; may the Almighty God protect you in your endeavors,” he concluded.
Prior to this inspiring send-off, Minister of Youth and Sports Erick Thohir had already outlined ambitious targets for the Indonesian contingent. Last month, Thohir revealed that Indonesia aims to secure between 80 and 85 gold medals at the SEA Games 2025. A formidable force of 996 athletes has been dispatched to Thailand with the ultimate goal of finishing within the top three positions in the final medal standings.
Reporter: Zamachsyari
Summary
President Prabowo Subianto officially sent off the Indonesian contingent for the SEA Games 2025 during a ceremony at the State Palace on Friday, December 5. He encouraged the athletes to deliver their best performances and secure many medals for the nation. Prabowo emphasized the profound honor of representing Indonesia and viewed sports as an analogy for life, reflecting a nation’s strong spirit.
The SEA Games 2025, hosted in Thailand, commenced this December, with several Indonesian athletes already competing. Minister of Youth and Sports Erick Thohir previously outlined an ambitious target of 80-85 gold medals. Indonesia has dispatched a formidable force of 996 athletes with the ultimate goal of finishing within the top three positions in the final medal standings.