President Joko Widodo Targets Top 10 and Mandates House Bonus

In accordance with the mandate from the President, medal winners who own land will have houses built in their hometowns or wherever. This is taken from the special housing program at the Directorate General of Housing.

The following article was translated using both Microsoft Azure Open AI and Google Translation AI. The original article can be found in Presiden Joko Widodo Targetkan 10 Besar dan Amanatkan Bonus Rumah

KOMPAS/HERU SRI KUMORO

President Joko Widodo posed together with the Asian Games 2022 contingent during the send-off ceremony in the yard of the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Tuesday (19/9/2023). Indonesia is sending 413 athletes who will compete in 30 sports branches of the Asian Games that will be held in Hangzhou, China, on 23 September - 8 October 2023.

JAKARTA, KOMPAS - President Joko Widodo aims for the Indonesian contingent to break into the top 10 in the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games held in China from September 23 to October 8, 2023. For the contingent that successfully wins a medal, President Jokowi is committed to providing a bonus in the form of a house.

"Today, we will send off a contingent of 576 people heading to the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. They will be participating in 30 different sports," said President Jokowi as he released the Indonesian contingent to the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou at the front yard of Istana Merdeka in Jakarta on Tuesday (19/9/2023).

The target set by President Jokowi this time is higher compared to the target set by the Ministry of Youth and Sports. The Ministry aims for the Indonesian contingent to break into the top 12 with the acquisition of 8 to 12 gold medals in the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games in China.

At the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang Asian Games, Indonesia won 31 gold and finished fourth. "I only believe that at the Asian Games in Jakarta we are in fourth place, even though the Minister of Youth and Sports has calculated how likely his ranking will fall in the ranking. 12th, for me it's really far away. "So, don't be 12, I ask you to be in the top 10," said the President.

"Today, we will send off a delegation of 576 individuals to the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. They will partake in a total of 30 sports."

President Jokowi understands that the position as a host is different from playing in another country. "I know that being a host and not being a host is different, I know it. So, once again, my target is to enter the top 10. Usually, my calculations don't miss," he added.

KOMPAS/HERU SRI KUMORO

President Joko Widodo is preparing to send off the Asian Games 2022 contingent in the courtyard of Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Tuesday (19/9/2023). Indonesia is sending 413 athletes who will compete in 30 sports at the Asian Games to be held in Hangzhou, China, from September 23 to October 8, 2023.

Also Read: SEA Games and Asian Games in 2023, Indonesia Prepares for a Busy Schedule

The entire contingent is expected to perform at their best. "Good luck and on behalf of the people, nation, and country, I am looking forward to achievements and as many gold medals as possible that we can attain," said the President.

In a press statement at the Merdeka Palace, Indonesia's Contingent Chief for the 2022 Asian Games, Basuki Hadimuljono, and the Coordinating Minister of Human Development and Culture (Menko PMK), Muhadjir Effendy, confirmed that all medalists will receive a house bonus. "Get a medal, get a house," said Muhadjir.

Following the instructions from the President, Basuki added that medalists who own land will be provided with a house in their hometown or wherever they choose. "The technical details will be easy to handle later. What's important is that the Contingent Chairman has made a commitment according to the President's directives," added Muhajir.

"For those who win medals, it means that they have contributed to the country. All medals. It's not easy to win a bronze medal at the Asian Games."

According to Basuki, at the Directorate General of Housing, there is a special housing program. "For those who have received a medal, it means they have made a contribution to the country. All medals. It's not easy to get a bronze medal at the Asian Games," he said.

KOMPAS/HERU SRI KUMORO

President Joko Widodo shook hands with members of the Asian Games 2022 contingent at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Tuesday (19/9/2023). Indonesia is sending 413 athletes who will compete in 30 sports branches at the Asian Games to be held in Hangzhou, China from 23 September to 8 October 2023.

New Target

Responding to the new target set by President Jokowi, Minister of Youth and Sports (Menpora) Dito Ariotedjo expressed optimism. "We are confident that Mr. President's calculations are always accurate, so this is a boost and also motivation for us at Kemenpora and the Indonesian contingent," said Dito in a press statement after the send-off event.

Previously, the Indonesian contingent had set a target to be in the top 12 with a minimum of 8 gold medals. The ranking target has decreased compared to the 18th Asian Games held in 2018 where Indonesia managed to be in fourth place.

"We are confident that the President's calculation is always accurate, so this is a boost and motivation for us in the Ministry of Youth and Sports as well as the Indonesian contingent."

The reason is, this time, Indonesia has the potential to lose gold from three sports that are not contested, namely pencak silat, paragliding and jetski. Apart from that, MTB cycling competition numbers are also no longer contested.

In his speech, Dito also reported on the readiness of the Indonesian contingent which would take part in 30 of the total 40 sports being competed. The number of athletes taking part in the 19th Asian Games in 2022 is 413 athletes accompanied by 132 officials and 28 chef de mission (CdM) teams with a total contingent of 576 people.

A total of 78 athletes and officials have left for China, while 110 athletes and officials are still carrying out training camps abroad. A total of 360 athletes and officials are still in Indonesia. Eight sports are still running training camps abroad, namely archery, athletics, canoeing, BMX cycling, judo, rowing, taekwondo and wushu.

KOMPAS/HERU SRI KUMORO

President Joko Widodo gave direction during the farewell ceremony of the contingent for the 2022 Asian Games at the Merdeka Palace courtyard, Jakarta, on Tuesday (19/9/2023). Indonesia is sending 413 athletes who will compete in 30 sports branches during the Asian Games held in Hangzhou, China from September 23 to October 8, 2023.

Also Read: Indonesian Wushu: Victorious in the SEA Games First, Looking to the Asian Games Later

Five other sports have already departed and started competing earlier, such as soccer, modern pentathlon cricket, indoor volleyball, and beach volleyball. "Hopefully it can boost the spirit of all sports and the Indonesian contingent," said Dito.

A large delegation from the Indonesian contingent is planned to depart on September 21, 2023. Dito emphasized that in line with the grand design of the national sports, the 19th Asian Games in 2022 are a stepping stone towards achieving Olympic success. The primary target is the 2024 Olympics.

The 19th Asian Games in 2022 will be held across six regions in China, featuring 40 sports. "Therefore, we ask for the support and prayers of the entire nation so that Indonesia can become the winner," said Dito.