Deputy Chairperson of the House Commission X Hetifah Sjaifudian. Photo: Azka/Man

Indonesia finished 55th at the medals table of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Despite failing to meet the top 40 target that the government set, Indonesia’s achievement at the multi-sport event still has to be appreciated.

Hetifah Sjaifudian, Deputy Chairperson of the House Commission X—overseeing sports, made the statements on Monday (9/8/2021). "This result is not what we expected. This year's sports Grand Design has set the target of the top 40, but we finished 55th. However, at the ASEAN level, we are runner-up. This accomplishment should be appreciated, and Indonesia must strive to achieve better results," she said.

Badminton has been Indonesia's favorite for gold medals. At the Tokyo Olympics, Indonesia won a gold medal in the women's doubles. The Golkar Party politician said other sports have to improve their performance, adding some sports such as weightlifting, rock climbing, and archery had the potential to win gold at the 2024 Olympics.

"Some sports must improve their performance in the long run. Badminton, weightlifting, and rock climbing will be given a target to win gold at the 2024 Olympics, while archery and shooting are set to win gold at the 2028 Olympics. We still have seven years to reach that target. I hope Indonesia can do its best to prepare for the games," said the legislator from the North Kalimantan constituency.

Regarding the sports design regulated in the National Sports System (SKN) bill, which the House Commission X is currently discussing, one of the new points added in the bill is how to strengthen the implementation of the Special Sports Schools (SKO), she said.

"There is an underlying point to improve the national and regional sports development centers. The President's Letter asking to discuss the SKN bill had been signed. So, it is hoped that Indonesia’s sports can triumph at the international stage," she said. (mh/es-mut)