The 33rd Southeast Asian Games have come to an end, having served for more than two weeks as a stage for competition, cultural encounters, and a test for the organizers of the region's largest multi-event.
For Indonesia, the 2025 SEA Games was a moment to be thankful for. The Indonesian contingent surpassed its target, winning 91 gold, 111 silver, and 131 bronze medals, totaling 333 medals. The target of 80 gold medals was not only met but also surpassed by a convincing margin.
The result also has historical significance because for the first time in the last 30 years, Indonesia has again become the runner-up in the SEA Games when it was not the host, equaling the achievement in the 1995 SEA Games in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Host Thailand, performed dominantly and closed the SEA Games with 233 gold, 154 silver, and 112 bronze medals, to top the standings.
Meanwhile, Vietnam had to be satisfied with third place with 87 gold, 81 silver, and 110 bronze medals.
Thailand has been entrusted with hosting the SEA Games for the seventh time in its history. Bangkok and Chonburi are the main host cities. Most of the matches will be held at various existing sports facilities, including university venues.
This is in line with the Green SEA Games and Sustainable Paralympics theme promoted by the committee, which emphasizes budget efficiency and environmental sustainability.
The use of an existing venue provides two sides to the story.
On the one hand, Thailand can reduce the need for new infrastructure development and maximize the legacy facilities of previous sporting events.
On the other hand, technical limitations in a number of locations pose a challenge, especially for sports with specific needs.
However, in general, the competition continues according to the established schedule.
