Jokowi Officially Closes ASEAN Para Games 2022 in Memory Today, August 6, 2022

President Jokowi attends the closing ceremony of the ASEAN Para Games XI 2022. (Cabinet Secretariat)

JAKARTA - Today's memory, four years ago, August 6, 2022, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) officially closed the ASEAN Para Games XI 2022 sports event in Surakarta, Central Java. Jokowi expressed his pride in Indonesia's success as host of this special event.

Previously, Surakarta was preparing to host the ASEAN Para Games 2022. The authority began to improve facilities and accommodations for athletes and officials. Indonesia also guarantees the smooth running of the 14 sports contested.

The ASEAN Para Games XI 2022 are seen as a special event by all countries that are members of ASEAN. The narrative is because the ASEAN Para Games involves athletes with disabilities.

Their presence is considered as a form of the spirit of struggle of athletes who do not know the word of surrender. The Indonesian government was then proud that the city of Surakarta was trusted as the host.

The narrative was supported by the presence of Gibran Rakabuming Raka who is the Mayor of Surakarta as the Chairman of the Indonesia ASEAN Para Games 2022 Organizing Committee (INASPOC). Surakarta also started to renovate.

Sports and accommodation facilities for athletes and officials from 11 countries are being improved. The plan is for Surakarta City to accommodate a total of 2,309 participants, consisting of athletes and officials. A total of 14 sports are contested.

Among others, badminton, table tennis, athletics, to archery. The seriousness of Surakarta as the host was then seen on the opening day of the 2022 ASEAN Para Games at the Mahanan Stadium, Surakarta on July 30, 2022.

The opening ceremony was lively. Specialy, the Vice President, Ma'ruf Amin did not want to be left behind and took part in the ceremonial pulling the kris from the sheath and raising it as a sign of the start of the ASEAN Para Games 2022.

"After being delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, tonight, I am very happy to be able to attend the Manahan Stadium, Surakarta to open this special event. I express my appreciation and congratulations to the Governor of Central Java and all the ranks, especially the Mayor of Surakarta, for the hard work that has been done in preparing the 2022 ASEAN Para Games," said Ma'ruf as quoted by the State Secretariat website, July 30, 2022.

The journey of the ASEAN Para Games 2022 received a positive response. Almost all matches were carried out well. The narrative made Indonesia's name fragrant throughout ASEAN.

This condition then prompted President Jokowi to attend the closing of the 2022 ASEAN Para Games at the Manahan Stadium on August 6, 2022. He also acted to close the event. Jokowi admitted that he was proud that Indonesia had succeeded in hosting.

Jokowi also did not forget to convey his appreciation to the athletes and officials. He also thanked those who participated and helped make the event a success.

"By giving thanks to Allah SWT., alhamdulillahirabbilalaminASEAN Para Games XI Year 2022 I declare it closed tonight. Indonesia is very proud to be the host of this ASEAN Para Games XI. Thank you for the participation of 1,248 athletes from ASEAN countries."

"Thank you for giving the message that limitations and difficulties are not obstacles. With commitment and hard work, disabilities are able to achieve a million achievements," said Jokowi as quoted by the Cabinet Secretariat website, August 6, 2022.