Prabowo Subianto Declares Sports a Matter of National Honor, Calls for Stronger Athlete Development

Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has emphasized that sports are a matter of national honor, urging all stakeholders to strengthen the country’s athlete development system to establish Indonesia as a leading and winning nation on the international sporting stage.

“Sports are a matter of national honor. A strong nation reflects the strength of its people. Strong people are spirited. A spirited populace leads to a spirited nation, a nation that cannot be conquered,” Prabowo said while addressing a ceremony at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Thursday, October 29.

The ceremony was held to honour Indonesian athletes who won medals at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games and the 5th Asian Para Games.

The President described the athletes as the nation’s finest sons and daughters, expressing profound gratitude for their dedication, commitment and efforts in defending Indonesia’s honour in continental sporting competitions.

He said the athletes had worked hard to uphold the country’s reputation and deserved the nation’s appreciation for their outstanding performances.

Congratulating the contingent on its achievements, Prabowo highlighted Indonesia’s impressive medal tally, securing 39 medals, including five gold, 11 silver and 23 bronze, at the Asian Games, while winning 73 medals, comprising 15 gold, 21 silver and 37 bronze, at the Asian Para Games. Both achievements exceeded the country’s respective medal targets.

However, he urged athletes and sports authorities not to become complacent, stressing that Indonesia, as the world’s fourth most populous country, must demonstrate greater commitment and work harder to achieve even better results in future international competitions.

“We must not be easily satisfied; we are the fourth most populous nation in the world, and we must work even harder,” he said.

To ensure sustainable sporting success, President Prabowo directed Youth and Sports Minister Erick Thohir to develop a systematic and long-term athlete training programme, beginning at the elementary school level.

He instructed the authorities to establish a flagship school in every regency and upgrade educational institutions at the sub-district level by providing appropriate sports facilities to identify and nurture young talent from an early age.

Addressing the financial incentives awarded to the medal-winning athletes, the President said government bonuses should not be viewed merely as monetary rewards but as a reflection of the state’s recognition and appreciation of athletes’ dedication, sacrifices and hard work.

“These bonuses are not just gifts; they are a form of recognition and appreciation for your hard work,” he remarked.

Prabowo also called on sports administrators, officials and relevant stakeholders to strengthen cooperation, improve coordination and formulate more effective strategies to enhance Indonesia’s performance in international competitions.

Reaffirming his government’s ambition to transform Indonesia into a successful sporting nation, the President thanked the athletes for their contributions and urged them to maintain their determination and continue striving for excellence.

“Thank you for your dedication, and thank you for bringing honor to Indonesia,” he said, concluding with a call for continued commitment and achievement.

“Keep striving, keep achieving… Indonesia must become a winning nation,” Prabowo added.