ASIAN PARA GAMES - JAKARTA. President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo handed out cash bonuses to Asian Para Games medalists at Bogor Palace on Saturday morning.
Jokowi, who was in attendance for table tennis, badminton, sitting volleyball and shooting events during the Para Games, said he appreciated the athletes' dedication and hard work.
Indonesia won 135 medals overall, comprising 37 golds, 47 silvers and 51 bronzes, and finished fifth behind Japan, which won 45 golds.
The host country exceeded expectations, winning more than the 16 golds it targeted and finishing better than its initial goal of eighth place.
The President symbolically handed over bonuses to Hendi Wirawan, a gold medalist in chess; Aris, a silver medalist in swimming; and Sriyanti, a bronze medalist in lawn bowling.
To express his appreciation for the athletes who did not win a medal, Jokowi symbolically handed over a bonus to lifter Rahayu.
Each individual gold medalist competing in a singles event received Rp 1.5 billion (US$ 98,716), while in doubles the amount was Rp 1 billion and in team events Rp 750 million.
Their coaches earned between Rp 450 million and Rp 600 million each and their assistants between Rp 300 million and Rp 375 million.
Silver and bronze medal winners and their coaches and assistant coaches received between Rp 100 million and Rp 500 million.
"Giving bonuses to you, bapak and ibu, who made our country proud in front of the nations of Asia, is not a waste of money," Jokowi said in a press release on Saturday.
The President added he would also hand over bonuses to athletes who were still competing on Saturday.
