VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) bid farewell and good luck to the Indonesian contingent to compete at the 31st SEA Games in Vietnam, Monday (9/5/2022) at the State Palace.

In his message to more than 700 athletes, President Jokowi hopes that the contingent can achieve the best achievements to make the nation proud.

"I want the current contingent that was presented by the Minister of Youth and Sports to be leaner, but we all want this contingent to achieve the highest achievement, to win as many medals as possible to make our country proud, the Indonesian nation," said President Jokowi in his directive in front of the athletes, officials, and coaches.

In addition, the Head of State also said that Indonesian athletes should win as many medals as possible so Indonesia's ranking is in the top 3 of the medal standings.

"I remember at the previous SEA Games in Singapore in 2015 we were in 5th place. Then in Malaysia, we were at the 5th place, and in 2019 in the Philippines, we were in 4th place. This time we aim to be in the 3rd, 2nd, or 1st rankings," said President Jokowi who was greeted with applause from the athletes.

President Jokowi is fully aware that it is certainly not easy to compete with other countries from the Southeast Asia region to be at the forefront, considering that they are all very competitive.

"It's not an easy thing, but I heard that the selection has been done well, and we hope that this achievement can actually succeed," the President said further.

After conveying his message, the President optimistically released the Indonesian contingent from the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta, to fight for the 31st SEA Games in Vietnam.

"By saying Bismillahirrahmaanirrahiim, I'm sending out the contingent of the 31st Vietnam SEA Games today," said the Head of State.

Immediately after releasing the athletes and officials, President Jokowi also encouraged and greeted the athletes to achieve the best achievements in Vietnam.

Previously, the Ministry of Youth and Sports said that 776 people were dispatched, consisting of 499 athletes, 214 officials, and 63 companions. The matches that Indonesia will participate in are 318 matches in 32 sports.

"Although the number is reduced, we hope that it can still be a benchmark for fostering national sports achievements," said Sports Minister Zainuddin Amali said. (RRI)