ASEAN Para Games 2025, Indonesia Only Target 82 Gold

Indonesia targets 82 gold at the 2025 ASEAN Para Games. (VOI/Gonang Susatyo)

SOLO - Indonesia does not target to become the overall champion when appearing at the ASEAN Para Games 2025 which will take place in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand. By participating in 18 of the 19 sports at the 2025 APG, Indonesia only has a target of 82 gold, 77 silver, and 77 bronze.

The Minister of Youth and Sports (Menpora RI), Erick Thohir, stated that the Indonesian contingent would strive to achieve the best. With a target of 82 gold, Indonesia hopes to rank third or even second.

"But it would be better if we achieved the first ranking. What is clear, we are trying to achieve the best by aiming for the third or second ranking," said the Minister of Youth and Sports when attending the inauguration and release of the ASEAN Para Games 2025 contingent agenda which took place in Pendapi Gede, Solo City Hall, Saturday, January 10, 2026 morning WIB.

Erick said that the track record of the Indonesian contingent at this multi-event event for disabled people in Southeast Asia was indeed very good. In fact, in the last three editions, Indonesia has always managed to come out as the overall champion.

"We are confident that athletes and the Indonesian NPC will always give their best. If we look at it, the achievements of our athletes are always ranked one and two. This is amazing. Of course we will see together what the results in Thailand are like because of the big challenge from the host and Vietnam," said Erick.

If you look at the spirit shown by the athletes before departure, Erick feels optimistic that Indonesia can realize its medal target. He hopes that Indonesia can reach the top two in the final standings.

"If I look at it, athletes will give their best. God willing, hopefully the target of winning 82 gold medals at the 2025 ASEAN Para Games can be achieved. We hope to be in the top two," he said.

By only targeting the gold medal under 100, Indonesia is predicted to be difficult to defend the overall champion title which has been won four times during the six-time event. At the 2023 APG Pnom Penh, the Red and White contingent won 159 gold while becoming champions. Meanwhile, Thailand only managed to win 126 gold, 110 silver and 92 bronze.

At the 2022 APG held in Solo, Indonesia even achieved an extraordinary achievement by winning 175 gold. Meanwhile, Thailand is quite far behind because it only got 117 gold.

However, if in Thailand only aims for 82 gold, then Indonesia does not aim for the overall champion. Erick reminded athletes to be aware of a number of countries that have the potential to become the toughest competitors. In addition to Thailand which has the status as the host organizer, there are several countries that can become heavy rivals.

"Of course, the host must be wary. If you want to reach the second or third place, we must anticipate other countries such as Vietnam or Malaysia. Several neighboring countries are also making good preparations," said Erick.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the National Paralympic Committee Indonesia (NPC Indonesia), Senny Marbun, expressed optimism about facing the 2025 ASEAN Para Games. He promised that disabled athletes would make the name of the nation and country shine on the international stage.

"We will fight to the maximum. Most importantly, we will fight for the nation and the country. We hope to get support from the community so that we can maximize the fight for the Red and White in Thailand," said Senny Marbun.

Senny said Indonesia sent 290 athletes who competed in 18 sports. They will be supported by 106 coaches, 55 officials, and 16 managers who will be companions.

At the 2025 ASEAN Para Games, a number of sports are expected to contribute the most medals for Indonesia. The para athletics event, for example, is targeted to bring home 25 gold medals, 30 silver medals, and 23 bronze medals.

Meanwhile, the second sport that is expected to produce the most medals is chess with a target of 12 gold, six silver, and four bronze. Meanwhile, the table tennis is burdened with the achievement of 11 gold, six silver, and 10 bronze.

Furthermore, the weightlifters have a target of eight gold, six silver, and one bronze. Meanwhile, the swimmers are expected to win eight gold, six silver, and four bronze.

"The preparation of the athletes is going well. We are leaving for Thailand with full confidence to achieve achievements," said Senny.

According to the schedule, the Indonesian contingent was divided into two clusters when departing for Thailand using a chartered plane via Adi Soemarmo Airport, Boyolali, Thursday, January 15, 2026 with a direct flight to Bangkok. The contingent will continue the journey by land to Nakhon Ratchasima.