Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Prabowo Subianto backs Indonesian para-athletes through multi-year funding for national training camps, reflecting the government's strong commitment to help them prepare for major international competitions.
This was highlighted by Youth and Sports Minister Erick Thohir during the send-off ceremony for the Indonesian contingent for the 2026 Asian Para Games in Surakarta City, Central Java, on Monday.
Erick said President Prabowo has taken special notice of the para-athletes' dedication and ability to excel despite the limitations they face.
"I hope this special attention serves as an encouragement for everyone involved in national sports. And as for the bonuses, do not worry; the president always ensures you get the best," Erick said in an official statement.
The minister underscored that building athletic achievement requires a long-term process. Therefore, the multi-year budgeting policy for national training camps serves as a key mechanism to support athletes' preparation for major multi-sport events.
He also highlighted the need for strong coordination and unity among all sports stakeholders. The central government, regional authorities, the National Paralympic Committee of Indonesia (NPC Indonesia), and other key partners must work together to ensure the athletes' needs are fully met.
During the send-off event, Erick conveyed greetings from President Prabowo to the athletes and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the Indonesian contingent throughout their Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Para Games participation in Japan.
For the Games, scheduled for October 18–24, Indonesia is targeting seven gold, eight silver, and 17 bronze medals to secure a top-10 finish.
The Indonesian contingent's Chef de Mission (CdM), Reda Manthovani, said the goal was set based on training performance and qualification achievements, using criteria set by the Asian Paralympic Committee.
Indonesia will field 103 athletes across 12 sports for the multi-sport event.
The contingent comprises 25 track and field athletes, 15 badminton players, 12 swimmers, 10 powerlifters, nine table tennis players, seven archers, seven judokas, five boccia players, five para cyclists, three shooting athletes, three wheelchair fencers, and two taekwondo athletes.
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Translator: Hendri Sukma, Raka Adji
Editor: Primayanti
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