Indonesian cyclist Rendy Varera claimed silver in the men's downhill event at SEA Games 2025, marking the first medal for the Indonesian contingent. The achievement came at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi, Thailand, on Wednesday, December 10, 2025.
The Indonesian contingent opened its medal tally at SEA Games 2025 through the cycling downhill men's event. Athlete Rendy Varera performed impressively, clocking 2 minutes 38.714 seconds on the challenging track at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi, featuring steep descents and technical turns.
Gold went to Thailand's Methasit Boonsane with a time of 2 minutes 37.856 seconds, while bronze was awarded to the Philippines' John Derick Fart at 2 minutes 43.676 seconds. This silver marked a personal best for Rendy, who expressed his gratitude after the race.
"I'm quite relieved; I've given my maximum. I'm very grateful for today's result. This time is my personal best and the best I could give," said Rendy. He is determined to improve in the future. "Next, I need to train more. I want to reduce braking ahead and strengthen the pedaling," he added.
Chef de Mission of the Indonesian team, Bayu Priawan Djokosoetono, welcomed this first medal as a boost for other athletes. "Alhamdulillah, today we got the first medal for the Indonesian Team, silver from mountain bike men's downhill, Rendy Varera. Hopefully, this is a good start for the Indonesian Team at SEA Games 2025 and an injection of spirit and motivation for heroes from other sports to contribute more medals," Bayu stated.
Rendy's achievement came a day after the SEA Games opening ceremony at Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok on December 9, 2025. Indonesia now has opportunities to add medals in other sports like badminton, where the women's and men's team events reached the finals.