thletes from a table tennis club and members of Jakarta’s National Games (PON) delegation on Wednesday visited Rumah Lembang, the campaign headquarters of Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama and his running mate Djarot Saiful Hidayat to demand the payment of promised bonuses for athletes who won medals at the sports event.
In front of the governor’s supporters who packed Rumah Lembang, the athletes asked Ahok about the onuses, ranging from Rp 1 billion (US$74,951.30) to Rp 2 billion, which he had promised them should they bring home medals from the 19th PON in West Java last year. Ahok made the promise when he was still the acting governor.
The athletes said they had only received Rp 200 million for winning medals at last year’s PON.
“We demand the fulfillment of promises on our bonuses. What we received is not what we expected,” said one of the athletes on the stage.
(Read also: Ahok to build apartments for young couples if elected)
Responding to their demand, Ahok said he could not handle the matter at this time, because he was now non-active and on leave to campaign for the Jakarta gubernatorial election.
He promised he would take care of the matter if he is elected for a second term.
“I have ordered that the bonuses be given to you so that the club can survive for years. [...] I thank the club for all of its achievements. However, now I am non-active, I will look into it as soon as I am reelected as governor,” Ahok said. (ebf)
Share your experiences, suggestions, and any issues you've encountered on The Jakarta Post. We're here to listen.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. We appreciate your feedback.
Quickly share this news with your network—keep everyone informed with just a single click!
Share the best of The Jakarta Post with friends, family, or colleagues. As a subscriber, you can gift 3 to 5 articles each month that anyone can read—no subscription needed!
Get the best experience—faster access, exclusive features, and a seamless way to stay updated.