President Prabowo Subianto advised the Indonesian contingent competing in the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand to give their best.
"So, young people, respected sons and daughters of the Indonesian nation , I can only advise you to do the best you can. Give your best, give everything you can," Prabowo said in his remarks at the send-off ceremony for the Indonesian contingent to the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand at the State Palace in Jakarta on Friday afternoon.
The President said the athletes who will compete will bring honor to Indonesia and represent nearly 300 million citizens.
The athletes were reminded that their participation was a noble duty to defend the country and bring honor to Indonesia's name before other countries.
The President also asked the athletes to compete wholeheartedly, maintain concentration, courage, self-confidence, discipline, and remain humble.
According to him, the strength from within can exceed human expectations, so athletes are asked to explore this strength to face the match.
"Do your best. Sometimes, when the power comes from within, it can exceed human expectations. You must dig deep within yourself. Believe in yourself first, then you will achieve achievements that may be beyond anyone's expectations," he said.
Prabowo hopes the athletes can sing Indonesia Raya at the event. The Head of State believes their success will not fade from public memory because it will become part of the nation's narrative.
"You have a very noble task: to defend your country. Defend your country, and if you succeed, your name will not be forgotten, ...
As part of the state's support, Prabowo said he had instructed Youth and Sports Minister Erick Thohir regarding awards for athletes who win gold medals, as given to his predecessors.
"We will encourage you, gentlemen. What about the Minister of Youth and Sports? Will we give those who win gold medals a budget incentive of Rp 500 million? Can it be increased to Rp 1 billion? Yes, it can. Can it? The State Secretary can do it? Thank God," said the President.
