REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) lauded the dedication and struggle demonstrated by the country's athletes in the Asian Para Games 2017. The athletes succeded to make the country ranked fifth in the medal table.

"The target that I have set from the start is 16 (gold medals). It is fixed or being the biggest eight. It is also fixed. They have all however been missed, as the targets are all surpassed," he noted in his speech at a meeting with athletes at the State Palace here on Saturday.

He said athletes were able to surpass their target of gold medals.

During the meeting, President Jokowi personally presented the bonus he had promised for the gold, silver, and bronze medalists as well as athletes, who were unable to win medals.

"The state budget used for you has also become bigger. However, it is alright. Thank God. It is all for the sake of the reputation of the Indonesian nation and state," Jokowi stated in connection with the high number of medals won.

He said the state did not lose by offering bonus to performing athletes. The bonus for the Asian Para Games 2018 athletes is at par with that given to the recent Asian Games 2018 athletes, which is Rp1.5 billion for a gold medal won.

"I would personally offer the bonus to those who could not come here, as they still have to compete in matches that are scheduled to finish in the evening. That is all. Once again, I am very proud of you all," he remarked while ending his speech.

Until Saturday afternoon, Indonesia was able to win 134 medals, including 36 gold, 47 silver, and 51 bronze medals, to rank fifth.

China is ranked first, followed by South Korea and Iran.

The Games will be closed in the evening.

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