Indonesian NOC President on the 1 Billion IDR Bonus for SEA Games 2025 Athletes: A Boost of Spirit

President of the Indonesian NOC, Raja Sapta Oktohari (right), said the bonus for athletes at the 2025 SEA Games was proof of the country's presence (doc. NOC Indonesia).

JAKARTA - The President of the Indonesian Olympic Committee (KOI/NOC Indonesia), Raja Sapta Oktohari, responded to the bonus of Rp1 billion that will be received by gold medalists at the 2025 SEA Games.

According to him, this is a form of state support which is also a source of encouragement for athletes who compete. The increasing number is also a tangible form of the state's presence.

"The increased gold bonus to Rp1 billion is not about pragmatism, but a shot of encouragement. Athletes feel the presence of the country," said Raja Sapta Oktohari in an official statement received, Tuesday, December 16, 2025.

Okto, the nickname of Raja Sapta Oktohari, stated that the great attention felt by athletes at the 2025 SEA Games was a strong signal that the state's support for sports achievements did not stop at this event, but would also continue to the next international level.

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"If the attention is this big at the SEA Games, we can imagine the support going forward to the Asian Games and the Olympics," he said.

The injection of enthusiasm was also evident in the performance of Indonesian athletes who, until the middle of the 2025 SEA Games, were able to compete at the top of the medal standings.

However, Okto reminded all elements of the Indonesian team not to be complacent with this temporary achievement. He emphasized that the struggle is still ongoing until the closing of the 2025 SEA Games on December 20.

"As of today, we are in second place. This is certainly a source of pride, but we must not be complacent," he said.

He added that the opportunity for additional gold medals is still open from a number of sports that have not completed the match. Therefore, focus and consistency are considered the key to Indonesia being able to maintain performance until the last day.

"The sources of gold medals are still in the next branches and we must continue to take care of them until the 2025 SEA Games ends," said Oktohari.

Meanwhile, the Chief de Mission (CdM) of the Indonesian Team for the 2025 SEA Games, Bayu Priawan Djokosoetono, assessed the interim achievement of 60 gold medals reflected the quality of Indonesian athletes who are increasingly mature.

"This is not excessive optimism, but shows the quality of our athletes," said Bayu.

Bayu said the CdM team continued to provide intensive assistance to athletes and officials during the 2025 SEA Games, both through direct visits to the competition arena and non-technical support.

One of the facilities that is maximized is the Indonesian House which serves as a mental recovery and togetherness space for athletes.

"The support from the President and the Minister of Youth and Sports is very felt and becomes an additional energy for athletes when competing," said Bayu, hoping that the performance of the Indonesian Contingent will continue to improve until the last day of the 2025 Thailand SEA Games.