VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

VOINews, Jakarta - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) on Tuesday urged the Indonesian contingent to finish in the top 10 in the final standings at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.

The target set by President Widodo is higher than the goal of finishing in the top 12 fixed by Minister of Youth and Sports, Dito Ariotedjo.

"I think (finishing in) the top 12 is far from enough. Hence, I am hoping for the top 10," he remarked during a send-off in Jakarta for the national contingent that will represent the country in the 19th edition of the multi-sports event.

The head of state reminded the delegation that in the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia managed to rank fourth.

"I am aware that there will be a difference between competing as the host and not. Therefore, my target is for Indonesia to finish in the top 10," he said.

He then expressed optimism that the national contingent will be able to achieve the target.

"You will compete as representatives of the people, nation, and country. I am expecting you to achieve optimum feats and bring home as many gold medals as possible," he told the athletes.

On the same occasion, Minister Ariotedjo informed that Indonesia is fielding 413 athletes in 30 of the total 40 sports branches that will be competed at the quadrennial sports event.

Elaborating on the target, the minister said that it was set considering the absence of several mainstay sports, including pencak silat, at this year's Asian Games.

"At the 2022 Asian Games, Indonesia will likely lose some gold medals on account of the absence of pencak silat, paragliding, jet ski, and MTB (mountain bike) racing," he pointed out.

The Indonesian contingent will begin its quest for medals on Tuesday in cricket, men's and women's beach volleyball, and men's football.

In addition to President Widodo and Minister Ariotedjo, several officials attended the send-off, including Human Development and Culture Coordinating Minister Muhadjir Effendy, chairperson of the Indonesian Olympic Committee (KOI), Raja Sapta Oktohari, and the Indonesian contingent's Chef de Mission (CdM), Basuki Hadimuljono.

The leaders of national sports federations also attended the event. (Antaranews)