President directs Youth and Sports Minister Erick Thohir to build a long-term athlete development pipeline from elementary school level, urging Indonesia to become a “winning nation”
Jakarta, October 30, 2026: President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto has emphasized that sports are a matter of national honour, calling upon all stakeholders to strengthen athlete development so that Indonesia can emerge as a winning nation on the international stage.
Speaking at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Thursday during a ceremony honouring the medalists of the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games and the 5th Asian Para Games, President Prabowo underlined the link between sporting excellence and national strength. “Sports are a matter of national honor. A strong nation reflects the strength of its people,” he said, adding that a spirited people make a spirited nation that cannot be conquered. “We aspire to be a respected nation,” the President stated.
Describing the athletes as the nation’s finest sons and daughters, President Prabowo expressed his profound gratitude for their dedication and for defending Indonesia’s honour in continental competition. “You have fought hard to defend the honor of this nation, and for that, I express my gratitude,” he said.
Indonesia secured a total of 39 medals at the Asian Games, comprising 5 gold, 11 silver and 23 bronze, and 73 medals at the Asian Para Games, comprising 15 gold, 21 silver and 37 bronze, surpassing the targets set for both events. While celebrating these achievements, the President cautioned against complacency. “We must not be easily satisfied; we are the fourth most populous nation in the world, and we must work even harder,” he remarked.
To ensure sustained success, President Prabowo instructed Youth and Sports Minister Erick Thohir to establish a systematic, long-term athlete training pipeline beginning at the elementary school level. He directed that every regency establish a flagship sports school and that educational institutions at the sub-district level be upgraded with proper sports facilities.
Referring to the financial rewards presented at the ceremony, the President stressed that the government bonuses were not merely routine prizes. “These bonuses are not just gifts; they are a form of recognition and appreciation for your hard work,” he said, describing them as an expression of the state’s deep gratitude to its athletes.
Concluding his address, President Prabowo called on sports administrators and leaders to forge closer collaboration and refine their strategies for future competitions. “Thank you for your dedication, and thank you for bringing honor to Indonesia,” he said. “Keep striving, keep achieving. Indonesia must become a winning nation.”
