JAKARTA, MCE – A historic milestone has been reached as Indonesia officially concludes its 30-year wait to reclaim a top-two finish in the SEA Games held outside its home soil. Delivering a powerhouse performance at the 33rd SEA Games in Thailand, the Indonesian contingent returned home as national heroes, securing a total of 91 gold, 111 silver, and 131 bronze medals.
In a grand ceremony held at the State Palace on Thursday, January 8, 2026, President Prabowo Subianto personally welcomed the athletes and coaches, expressing the nation’s profound gratitude for their dedication to the "Merah Putih" (Red and White) flag.
During his address, President Prabowo emphasized that sporting achievements are more than just medals; they are a reflection of a nation's strength and success. He described the athletes as symbols of national dignity and a beacon of Indonesia’s resurgence on the global stage.
The President further noted that the bonuses provided by the state are not merely payments, but rather a "trust and an investment for the future," honoring the immense sacrifices and discipline the athletes have shown throughout their journey.
In a bold move to boost the welfare of the sporting community, President Prabowo fulfilled his promise to double the bonuses for gold medalists. The rewards have been set at life-changing amounts to ensure the long-term stability of the competitors.
For individual athletes, a gold medal now commands a massive reward of Rp1 billion. Silver medalists in this category receive Rp315 million, while bronze medalists take home Rp157.5 million. In the doubles category, gold medalists are awarded Rp800 million, followed by Rp252 million for silver and Rp126 million for bronze. Team categories also saw a significant surge, with gold-winning members receiving Rp500 million each, silver winners Rp220.5 million, and bronze winners Rp110.25 million.
The government also ensured that the coaches—the masterminds behind every victory—were not overlooked. Coaches in the individual and doubles categories whose athletes secured gold received Rp300 million, with Rp126 million for silver and Rp63 million for bronze.
For team coaches, the rewards were even higher, reflecting the complexity of managing group dynamics. Team gold-winning coaches were granted Rp400 million, while silver and bronze achievements earned them Rp189 million and Rp94.5 million, respectively.
This historic triumph in Thailand signals a new golden era for Indonesian sports, driven by strong government support and the unyielding spirit of its athletes. (bp).
