Jakarta. Indonesia remained on course to secure a runner-up finish at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand as competition entered its final day on Saturday, fending off a late challenge from Vietnam in a tightly contested medal race.

As of midday Saturday, Indonesia sat second in the overall standings with 333 medals, comprising 91 gold, 111 silver and 131 bronze. Vietnam trailed in third place with 87 gold medals and a total haul of 277, keeping pressure on the Indonesian contingent in the closing hours of the regional sporting event.

President Prabowo Subianto praised the national team’s performance, saying the athletes had exceeded expectations by surpassing the government’s gold-medal target. Indonesia’s 91 gold medals mark one of its strongest showings in recent editions of the SEA Games.

“Congratulations on the 91 gold medals, and thank you,” Prabowo said, addressing Youth and Sports Minister Erick Thohir during a public event in Serang, Banten, on Saturday. The president described the athletes’ achievements as extraordinary, while joking about the financial implications of rewarding such success.

Under government policy, Indonesian athletes who win gold medals at the SEA Games are entitled to bonuses of Rp 1 billion ($60,000) each. “On one hand, I’m smiling with 91 golds. On the other hand, it’s a bit of a headache,” Prabowo said, drawing laughter from the audience. He reiterated his commitment to delivering the promised incentives, calling the athletes “fighters who deserve the highest recognition.”

Thailand, the host nation, has already secured the overall championship in commanding fashion. It topped the medal table with 233 gold, 154 silver and 108 bronze medals, for a total of 495, putting it well out of reach of its regional rivals.

The battle for second place intensified on Saturday after Vietnam added to its gold tally by winning the mixed marathon swimming event. Indonesia finished fourth in that race, allowing Vietnam to narrow the gap slightly in the gold-medal count.

Mixed results followed for Indonesia in sepak takraw. The men’s team saw its hopes of gold end with a 0–2 defeat to Malaysia in the semifinals, sending Malaysia through to the final against Vietnam. Vietnam advanced after a strong semifinal victory over Thailand. Meanwhile, the women’s sepak takraw team delivered a crucial boost. The team defeated Malaysia 2–0 to reach the final, keeping alive Indonesia’s hopes of adding another gold medal and strengthening its grip on second place overall.

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