“Minister of Youth and Sports Speaks Out on Indonesian U-22 National Team’s SEA Games 2023 Gold Medal Win”

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – The Minister of Youth and Sports (Menpora) Dito Ariotedjo opened his voice about the achievement of the Indonesian U-22 National Team winning a gold medal SEA Games 2023. According to him, the achievement cannot be separated from the intervention of the previous minister, namely Zainudin Alami.

“Yes, this is part of what Mr. Zainudin Amali left behind (as the previous Menpora). So this is indeed a historical legacy, and I am only continuing it from my seniors,” said Dito Ariotedjo in his official statement in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Wednesday, May 17, 2023.

The former general chairman of the Indonesian Renewal Youth Force emphasized that this showed good collaboration and cooperation between the government and PSSI as a football sports federation. Apart from that, the Indonesian National Sports Committee and the Indonesian Olympic Committee or NOC Indonesia also have a role to play.

“So I think this is indeed a collaboration between Kemenpora, the federation (PSSI), and also KONI and KOI. I think this is collaboration that if it is increased and continued, Indonesia can penetrate more into the world,” said Dito.

The youngest minister in the Indonesia Onward Cabinet believes that Indonesian football is under the leadership of the General Chair of PSSI Erick Thohir, Deputy Chairperson Zainudin Amali, and Ratu Tisha will produce achievements. According to him, the result of the SEA Games gold medal this time, after 32 years of waiting, is proof that what he said at that time has become a fact.

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“Football, first I was appointed minister, I have already said, PSSI is in the right hands, Mr. Erick and Mr. Zainudin Amali and Rau Tisha. So this is the result of the proof that what I said was not talk of claims or politics but facts,” said Dito.

The U-22 Indonesian national team has quenched its thirst for a title for more than three decades after defeating Thailand in the 2023 SEA Games final at the Olympic Stadium, Phnom Penh, Tuesday, May 16 2023 with a score of 5-2 in extra time. Finally, Indonesia won gold at the 1991 SEA Games in Manila.

Players of the Indonesian U-22 national team made a prostration of thanksgiving after Muhammad Ramadhan Sananta scored against the Thailand national team in the SEA Games final at the Olympic National Stadium, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, May 16 2023. REUTERS/Cindy Liu

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