Jakarta. President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo on Monday symbolically handed financial bonuses to Indonesian athletes and their coaches who won medals at the recent SEA Games in Cambodia worth a total of Rp 289 billion ($19.4 million).

During the event at the State Palace in Jakarta, the president said he is proud of Indonesia’s achievement in the regional multi-sport event and thanked all athletes for their dedication.

In particular, he praised athletes who won Indonesia’s first gold medals in certain sports disciplines such as women’s indoor basketball, men’s indoor hockey, and women’s cricket.

Although Indonesia was ranked third in the overall medal table, the football-loving president is satisfied because the U-22 team managed to win men’s football gold for the first time after 32 years.

"The women’s basketball team gave me the biggest surprise because we never won the gold medal for 64 years. Then also our men’s indoor hockey and women’s cricket teams who won their first-ever gold medals since they participated in the SEA Games,” Jokowi said.

“We have been without SEA Games football gold for 32 years but now we win the hard-fought gold.”

Overall, the Indonesian contingent brought home 87 gold medals from Cambodia, well above the target of 69.

"Our people are very happy and proud of your achievement with those 87 gold medals. On behalf of the nation, I thank you for your hard work," Jokowi said.

The president also told the athletes to “spend the money wisely” and avoid buying luxury items.

"If you make an investment, the value [of the money] will continue to increase. If you buy a car, by next year the price will be falling by half,” Jokowi said.

Here’s how SEA Games medalists are rewarded:

Gold medal
- Group medalists, each earns Rp 367.5 million
- Double medalists, each earns Rp 420 million
- Individual medalist, Rp 525 million

Silver medal
- Group medalists, each earns Rp 220.5 million
- Double medalists, each earns Rp 252 million
- Individual medalist, Rp 315 million

Bronze medal
- Group medalists, each earns Rp 105.5 million
- Double medalists, each earns Rp 126 million
- Individual medalist, Rp 157.5 million

Add as a preferred source on Google +