Erick Thohir Sees Off Team in Surakarta

Youth and Sports Minister Erick Thohir inaugurated and saw off Indonesia's contingent to the 2026 Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The ceremony took place at Pendhapi Ageng, Surakarta City Hall in Central Java, on Monday (10/12/2026).

Indonesia is sending 103 athletes to compete in 12 sports, targeting a top-10 finish and seven gold medals. The full contingent numbers 219 people, including athletes, coaches, and officials.

The inauguration was marked by the handover of the Red-and-White flag from Erick to Senny Marbun, chair of the Indonesian National Paralympic Committee (NPC). Marbun then passed it to Reda Manthovani, the Chef de Mission (CdM) of the Indonesian contingent.

Target: 7 Golds and a Top-10 Finish

Indonesia's contingent targets seven gold, eight silver, and 17 bronze medals at the 2026 Asian Para Games. With that tally, the team aims to break into the top 10 of the final standings.

"Opportunities don't come twice. We must get those seven gold medals. Make this an extraordinary achievement for all of us," Erick said in his address.

Reda Manthovani said all athletes are ready physically and mentally. "We hereby declare that all Indonesian athletes participating in the fifth Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya are physically and mentally ready to fight for the highest achievements," Reda said. The contingent was scheduled to depart for Japan on Tuesday (10/13/2026).

Ambition: Southeast Asia's Best

The 2026 Asian Para Games run from October 18 to 24, 2026. In his address, Erick also conveyed greetings from President Prabowo Subianto and assured the team of the government's attention to their needs.

"He cares, he loves you all. Don't worry about bonuses; the President always gives his best," Erick said. He also noted the government provides multi-year national training center (pelatnas) funding to prepare athletes for international competition.

Beyond medals, Indonesia has a longer-term ambition. Erick noted Indonesian athletes have collected 76 gold medals across Asian Para Games history. "We're 15 golds behind. I hope we gradually show we are number one in Southeast Asia. We can," he said.