Youth and Sports Minister Erick Thohir urged sports branch managers to be more transparent about gold medal targets for the 2025 SEA Games. He noted that the combined 120-gold target from branches far exceeds the government's realistic projection of 82-90 golds. This aims to foster transparency for a third-place finish.
On Monday, November 10, 2025, in Jakarta, Youth and Sports Minister Erick Thohir expressed concerns over gold medal targets set by sports branch managers (cabor) for the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand. According to reports received by the Ministry of Youth and Sports (Kemenpora), the total target from all branches reaches 120 golds, far exceeding the ministry's internal study of 82 to 90 realistic golds.
"We encourage branches to be more open. There should be no lies among us," Erick stated. He stressed the importance of honesty to the public over excessive expectations. "It's better to be honest with society than to give too high hopes," he added.
The initial projection of 78 golds has been raised to up to 90 based on the latest evaluation by Deputy for Sports Achievement Enhancement, Surono. This considers Indonesia's performance at the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia, where it won 87 golds and finished third. However, about 41 golds from discontinued sports cannot be retained, though there is potential for an additional 32 golds from other branches.
"In reality, if we can get 82 to 90 golds, Indonesia can still be in third place in the medal standings," Erick said. A review team involving experts, practitioners, KOI, KONI, and Kemenpora is analyzing medal potentials to determine athlete numbers and participating branches. "Hopefully this week or next, the policy will be concrete, and we can announce it soon," he revealed.
Surono explained, "From the 87 golds we got in Cambodia, about 41 gold medals cannot be retained because the branches are no longer contested in Thailand." He is optimistic about the additional potential, placing the projection at 78-90 golds. Kemenpora hopes this openness will enhance synergy and national sports achievements.