Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has officially proposed a significant increase in the incentive package for athletes who secure gold medals at the upcoming 33rd Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) in Thailand. Under the new proposal, gold medalists will be awarded an impressive $60,000, effectively doubling the prize money offered in previous competitions.
This substantial boost in financial reward is primarily aimed at highly motivating Indonesian athletes to elevate their performance and strive for excellence during the regional multi-sport event. The announcement followed a crucial meeting between President Prabowo and the Minister of Youth and Sports, Erick Thohir, held on December 5th.
The 74-year-old President emphasized that this enhanced incentive is expected to serve as a powerful catalyst for athletes to bring home more medals for Indonesia. Beyond immediate victory, he highlighted its potential to provide crucial long-term support for their athletic careers, acknowledging the demanding nature of professional sports.
President Subianto further elaborated on the rationale behind the increase, stating, “Athletes do not compete primarily for monetary gain. However, significant incentives can greatly assist athletes long after their competitive careers conclude.” He added that this gesture also serves as a profound mark of respect for the athletes’ immense sacrifices and unwavering dedication, while simultaneously showcasing Indonesia’s growing economic strength within the region.
For the upcoming SEA Games in Thailand, Indonesia is set to dispatch a formidable delegation of approximately 1,021 athletes and officials. The nation has pinpointed several key sports as primary medal targets, including athletics, cycling, volleyball, football, and fencing. As the most populous country in Southeast Asia, Indonesia has set an ambitious target of securing 80 gold medals at the event.
Comparatively, other nations in the ASEAN region offer varying levels of incentives for their medal-winning athletes. Vietnam, for instance, provides a relatively modest reward, with gold medalists receiving around $1,700, silver medalists $950, and bronze medalists $760. Athletes who break previous records may earn an additional $900 or more. Meanwhile, some other countries have yet to publicly declare their specific gold medal prize values.
In stark contrast to Vietnam, Cambodia plans to award $10,000 for a gold medal, Singapore offers $7,700, and Malaysia provides $4,860. Indonesia’s proposed $60,000 stands out as one of the most generous incentives among participating nations.
The 33rd SEA Games are scheduled to officially commence on December 9th and will run until December 20th, with events primarily hosted across the vibrant cities of Bangkok and Chonburi, Thailand.
