Jakarta, Dec. 14 -- Indonesia's SEA Games contingent surged to second place in the medal standings after collecting 31 gold medals through Saturday, prompting President Prabowo Subianto to praise athletes for representing the nation with pride.

Youth and Sports Minister Erick Thohir said Prabowo viewed competition at the SEA Games as a national duty, not merely sport, because athletes compete to raise Indonesia's flag and anthem before other nations.

As a sign of support, Prabowo sent greetings to all Indonesian athletes competing at the biennial regional event, Thohir said in a statement issued on Sunday.

The president thanked medal winners for their dedication and urged all athletes to remain fully committed through the final day, ma...