Jakarta. The Jakarta Provincial Government has set aside Rp 9 billion ($674,000) in bonuses for all athletes from the capital participating in this year's Southeast Asian Games in Malaysia.

Gold-medal winners can expect to receive bonuses of up to Rp 200 million.

Jakarta Governor Djarot Saiful Hidayat said the bonuses are a token of appreciation to athletes for having helped promote not only Indonesia, but also the province.

"We deeply care about the athletes. That's why I've asked the Indonesian National Sports Committee [KONI] to assist us in transferring the money directly to those well-performing athletes, their federations and their clubs," Djarot said at City Hall in Central Jakarta on Monday (28/08).

Djarot believes the bonuses will serve as incentives for top Indonesian athletes to perform even better at international events.

"There is a guarantee from the government [to improve athletes' welfare]. Also, the number of achievements is now increasing as the 2018 Asian Games approaches. We've agreed to increase their bonuses," he said.

The Jakarta Regional Legislative Council (DPRD) has approved the budget for the bonuses.

"We're processing it and have coordinated with the Jakarta Youth and Sports Agency [Disorda] to follow up with the ratification," said Triwisaksana, Jakarta DPRD deputy chairman for budgeting.

The money will be disbursed to the 101 athletes from Jakarta currently participating in the games. One of the athletes in contention for a top bonus is swimmer I Gede Siman Sudartawa, who broke the SEA Games record in the men's 50-meter backstroke.

"After the budget is passed, we will pay the money to the athletes, coaches and assistant coaches who are currently still competing in Malaysia," Disorda Jakarta head Ratiyono said.