The Indonesian Aquatics Sports Association (PRSI) has proposed adding 10 athletes to the 24-strong squad for the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.
The association said the 10 athletes would compete in the polo water event at the Games, which takes place in Laos in December.
However, their departure depends on the availability of funds.
"If the funding we requested comes at just the right time, we hope to add the water polo team to the squad," PRSI deputy secretary-general Abdurrahim told The Jakarta Post on Thursday.
The PRSI is expected to submit its list of athletes before Oct. 22. The quota of 24 athletes set earlier by the National Sports Council (KONI) comprises 15 swimmers and six divers, while the three other spots are reserved for water polo athletes whose finances for the Games - should the team be sent - will be paid for by KONI.
KONI will send a total of 326 athletes, instead of 250 as initially planned, to Laos after it got assurances from the various sports associations that they would cover the expenses of additional athletes.
"From one SEA Games to another, the men's water polo team has always contributed either a bronze or a silver medal for the country," Abdurrahim said.
"We hope to do better this year."
The team's won bronze in the 2007 SEA Games in Thailand, as well as in 1999 and 2001.
"If we can't get the 10 extra guys on the squad, the three vacant spots will go to either swimmers or divers," Abdurrahim said.
The Indonesian swimming team is pinning its medal hopes on Glenn Victor, silver medalist in the 100-meter backstroke in Thailand, and Indra Gunawan, who picked up golds in the 50-meter and 100-meter breaststroke at last year's National Games in East Kalimantan.
Glenn and Indra set new national records at the recent FINA World Championships in Italy.
The PRSI also expects gold from diving, after Shenny Ratna Amelia won the women's 10-meter platform two years ago.
With Shenny now retired, Sari Ambarwati and Della Dinarsari, along with their male compatriots Ahmad Sukran Jamjami and Muhammad Nasrullah, will fill in.
Sari will compete in the 3-meter springboard and Della in the 10-meter platform.
Ahmad competes in the 3-meter springboard and Nasrullah the 10-meter platform.
A national diving event is underway to select three male and three female divers for the Laos mission.
On Thursday, Della won her second gold medal in the 5-meter platform, following her victory the 10-meter platform.
Nasrullah is out with an injury, but is still assured of a place in the team thanks to his gold-medal-winning performance at an event in Japan in August.
