Jakarta, January 9, 2026 – The Europe Today: Indonesia’s Armed Forces Chief, General Agus Subiyanto, announced plans to form a dedicated sports battalion after soldier-athletes contributed significantly to the country’s medal tally at the 2025 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Thailand.
Speaking on Thursday following a ceremony at the State Palace in Jakarta awarding bonuses to SEA Games medalists, General Agus said the new unit would operate under the Military Physical Training and Basic Regulations Center. The battalion will focus on developing soldiers recruited through athletic pathways and identifying personnel suited for regional and global competitions.
“This policy allows the military to recruit civilians with proven sporting ability and train them as professional soldiers, strengthening Indonesia’s competitive pipeline,” Agus explained.
The Armed Forces have already recruited volleyball players competing in the top-tier Proliga, as well as footballers playing for clubs in Indonesia’s Liga 1 and Liga 2. These athletes will form the nucleus of future teams representing Indonesia at the SEA Games, Asian competitions, and the Olympics, he added.
Soldier-athletes at the 2025 SEA Games contributed 19 gold, 16 silver, and 17 bronze medals to Indonesia’s overall haul of 91 gold, 112 silver, and 130 bronze medals. In recognition of their achievements, the military granted extraordinary promotions, including double-rank advancements for selected athletes.
One notable recipient was weightlifter Rizki Juniansyah, who won gold and broke two world records in the clean and jerk at 205 kilograms and a total lift of 365 kilograms. Rizki, previously a second lieutenant, was promoted two ranks to captain—the first double-rank promotion approved during General Agus’s tenure.
General Agus noted that the creation of sports formations is part of broader efforts to adapt the military to rapidly changing global strategic conditions.
Earlier, President Prabowo Subianto praised military athletes who excelled at the 33rd SEA Games, approving promotions up to commissioned officer rank. During the ceremony, he highlighted the exemplary determination of a military equestrian athlete who completed an eventing competition despite fractured ribs, as well as Rizki Juniansyah’s record-breaking achievements, describing both as embodiments of national spirit and commitment.
