No Spectators At The Tokyo Olympics, NOC President: The Power Of Indonesian Netizens Can Be Great Support

JAKARTA - Chairman of the Indonesian Olympic Committee (President of NOC Indonesia) Raja Sapta Oktohari asked the support of the entire Indonesian people to support the athletes competing in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics through social media.

Given that the Olympics this time was held during a pandemic, there were no spectators who directly supported it.

"This Olympics was held during COVID-19, so this is an extra ordinary Olympics. Because the Olympics are held without spectators, the greatest strength is communication, namely through the media," Okto said in an online press conference, Thursday, July 22.

"We both know that the massive strength of Indonesian netizens can be a tremendous support for our athletes," he continued.

Okto hopes that today's mass media meeting can motivate netizens, especially the Indonesian people, to give maximum support to athletes.

Okto said all parties involved in the Tokyo Olympics are open to providing all information facilities.

"For media that need video images and information, we will open a communication room. We will maximize the one closest to the information to be distributed," added Okto.

Okto also appreciated the Indonesian Embassy's Ambassador to Japan, Heri Akhmadi, who from before and upon arrival until all the contingents were at Wisma Athletes, had always been the most important part of the official team of the Indonesian committee for the Tokyo Olympics. Starting from planning, pick-up, and even other facilities.

"Because it is known that the situation at the Tokyo Olympics is very challenging, especially the problem of vehicles. Usually there are vehicle facilities but to this day the vehicle must be approved. But because of the support of the Ambassador of the Indonesian Embassy everything that is difficult becomes easy. because supporting these athletes, almost all athletes have arrived, only athletics are left," said Okto.

Okto explained, in quarantine athletes are not as imagined. Athletes can still be allowed to leave freely as long as they are still in the Wisma Atlet area. Also, the training ground or hotels are prepared.

Okto admits that since the beginning of the Olympics this has been stressful because July 23 is the classification for archery.

"On the 24th, there is already a potential medal in mixed doubles archery. Where Riau Ega paired with Nisa will compete 4 times to get gold. So one day after the opening, our adrenaline immediately went up," he said.

On the same day, from the weightlifting sport, Cantika, will also compete and there is a potential for medals.

"Still the same day it is the determination of whether Ketut from surfing can compete or not. Because Ketut is in accordance with the international surf federation letter if someone is unable to do so, then Ketut immediately becomes a participant in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. At the same time, it's a medal potential," he said.

The opening itself, said Okto, will be opened by the Emperor of Japan who came specifically to open and immediately returned.

"The plan is that on July 29 we will hold an official press conference on Indonesia's positioning at the Tokyo Olympics," said Raja Sapta Oktohari.