Jokowi Farewells Indonesia's Olympic Contingent Ahead of Rio Games
Jakarta. President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo officially farewelled the Indonesian contingent for the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games on Wednesday (22/06) at the Presidential Palace Complex.
Jokowi was joined by Sports Minister Imam Nahrawi, Manpower Minister Puan Maharani, Indonesian Olympic Committee president Erick Thoir and sports high performance deputy Gatot S Dewa Broto.
Indonesia will send 60 people, both athletes and officials, to Brazil. The contingent has already secured places for 27 athletes in badminton, weightlifting, rowing, archery, long jump and cycling, while several athletes from beach volleyball and swimming are undergoing qualification.
"All athletes will get better treatment than the 2012 London Olympics. They will get air fares in business class, multiple bonuses and a pension plan for those who secure medals," Imam Nahrawi said as reported on the Sports Ministry's official website.
Jokowi, meanwhile, told the group he hoped they would give their best in competing and promoting Indonesia to the world.
"I believe the same spirit is attached on your chest as the Indonesian team traveling to Rio de Janeiro, a passion to bring a good image of Indonesia in the world," Jokowi said to audience.
"At the moment, we have collected 27 medals in the Olympics. I'll be waiting for the 28th, 29th medals and so on. I believe that will make all Indonesians proud."
"Yet, the most important thing is that we must show the world that we are a great nation, strong and can compete in international environment, as well as showing them our respect, fair play and discipline," Jokowi added.
At the end of the ceremony, the president handed over Indonesia's national flag to Imam Nahrawi, which was forwarded to Indonesia's Olympic contingent leader, Raja Sapta Oktohari.
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