Jakarta, Dec. 5 -- President Prabowo Subianto promised an incentive of Rp1 billion (approximately US$58,000) to Indonesian athletes who win gold medals at the 33rd SEA Games in Thailand.

In a speech ahead of the send-off of the 33rd SEA Games contingent for Thailand on Friday, Prabowo asked Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi and Minister of Youth and Sports Erick Thohir about the possibility of increasing incentives for high-achieving athletes.

"Minister Thohir, should we give incentives of Rp500 million (US$29 thousand) to those who win gold medals? Can we increase it to Rp1 billion? Is it possible, Minister Hadi? Thank God," Prabowo said.

According to the head of state, the incentive is not merely a motivation for athletes, bu...