Jakarta, Dec. 5 -- President Prabowo Subianto has announced plans to build a 500 hectare national sports center as part of a long term strategy to develop future national athletes talent.

Speaking at the State Palace in Jakarta on Friday, before sending off Indonesia's contingent to the 2025 Thailand SEA Games, President Prabowo said that nations excelling in sports are those with strong character.

Prabowo added that he had already discussed the proposed development with Youth and Sports Minister Erick Thohir.

"I have planned for us to build a major sports center. I asked for at least 500 hectares for that center. There is no such thing as a sports center that's five or eight hectares, no," Prabowo said.

The Head of State explained th...