Youth and Sports Minister Erick Thohir met with Malaysian Minister Muhammed Taufiq Johari to discuss the sporting achievements of both countries to promote them as powers in Southeast Asia."We share the same passion: we want to advance sporting achievements in each country, making Southeast Asia a powerhouse on the global stage," Erick said in an official statement quoted in Jakarta on Tuesday.
One event that provides momentum for increasing achievements is the SEA Games, which Malaysia will host in 2027.
The Minister of Youth and Sports stated that as host, Malaysia is naturally targeting overall championship, so Indonesia will face stiff competition from the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam for second place.
"We have to admit that next year's SEA Games will be very competitive. But that doesn't discourage us. We will begin to thoroughly prepare our athletes this year," he said.
The Minister of Youth and Sports wants the best athletes to compete in the event to maintain its appeal and increase attendance. He stated that the SEA Games is not just a competition, but also contains important values that must be upheld together.
