The 2017 SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur is probably going to be remembered by most Indonesians for its controversies, such as the upside down Indonesian flag and the allegations of cheating by the hosts.
But the games should also serve to spotlight Indonesia’s sporting achievements, or rather the lack thereof. As we reach the end of the grand regional sporting event today, Indonesia’s medal tally reads 38 gold, 62 silver, and 89 bronze.
That is well short of the Sports Ministry’s target of 55 gold medals. If Indonesian athletes were to win all of the remaining gold medals up for grabs, the gold medal tally would only go up to 45.
“It’s understandable that we’re all worried about the result and I must apologize. I am responsible for all of this and we will carry out a total evaluation (of the Games),” said Sports Minister Imam Nahrawi at the Presidential Palace yesterday, as quoted by Detik.
“We will evaluate (if our shortcomings) are purely because of the quality of our athletes, or if it’s down to referees, or other non-technical issues.”
Imam said his ministry and athletes are going to learn from the lessons of the 2017 SEA Games in order to perform far better at the bigger 2018 Asian Games, which will be hosted by Jakarta and Palembang.
Indonesia is set to finish fifth overall in the 2017 SEA Games, which many would say is an embarrassment considering the nation dwarfs every other country in terms of population (though it might come as no surprise to some, considering Indonesia’s sporting institutions are generally either corrupt or completely inept).
Host country Malaysia has already locked up the overall winner position, having earned 141 gold medals.
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