Jokowi Releases Indonesian Contingent for Asian Games 2023

Jakarta – President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) on Tuesday released Indonesian contingent to fight in the 2023 Asian Games. 

President also urged the Indonesian contingent to finish in the top 10 in the final standings at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. This 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. Therefore, I am hoping for the top 10," the Head of State remarked on Tuesday, at Merdeka Palace, Jakarta. 

Moreover, President Widodo reminded the delegation that in the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia managed to rank fourth.

"I reminds 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," the President said.

He 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," The Head of State 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," the Minister explained.

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 released, 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.