Taufik Hidayat Takes on New Role as Deputy Youth and Sports Minister

Jakarta, VIVA – The badminton legend, Taufik Hidayat officially becomes Indonesian Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports in Prabowo Subianto's era.

In his new role, Taufik Hidayat said that he would primarily focus on improving the performance of Indonesia's sports and youth sector.

"President Prabowo asked for improvement in our sports achievement. In this year's Olympics, we won two gold medals. It is expected to be better in the future," he stated in a statement from his office on Monday (Oct 21).

The 2004 Athens badminton gold medalist is also determined to improve youth and sports achievements in accordance with Minister Ariotedjo's direction.

Moreover, Hidayat highlighted the importance of coordination. Hence, he would coordinate closely with the minister to develop the future of Indonesian youth and sports.

Minister Ariotedjo also welcomed Hidayat's presence to help him in running the office.

"I think it is very positive. He is an inspiring figure for the younger generation," he noted in a statement from his office on Monday.

As known, Hidayat is a former badminton athlete with international achievements such as winning a gold medal in the 2004 Athens Olympics in the men's singles after defeating Shon Seung-mo from South Korea.

Ariotedjo, who was reappointed to the same post by President Prabowo, said that Hidayat would bring positive energy to the ministry.

He plans on delegating several main tasks to Hidayat that directly intersect with sports branches and young people.

"In our sports, he is a legend, and I am sure he will bring a positive energy and atmosphere," the minister remarked.

Minister Ariotedjo spoke of having communicated with Hidayat to discuss matters related to future work as shared priorities for the progress of sports in the future.