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Indonesian athletes learn to manage wealth
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Indonesian shuttlers Hendra Setiawan (left) and Mohammad Ahsan (right) (Antara/Hafidz Mubarak)
R
ight after winning the silver medal in the floor category at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, gymnast Rifda Irfanaluthfi said she would earmark the cash reward from the government to send her parents on the hajj.
“[Previously my] money has been used to build a boarding house for my future income,” the 19-year-old gymnast told journalists.
Like several other Indonesian athletes nowadays, Rifda is aware of the importance of ensuring financial security for the future as the country’s sports scene is still often colored by stories of veteran athletes suffering in old age.
With prize money coming from tournaments and extra cash rewards from the government and sponsors or federations, the welfare provision for Indonesian athletes is getting better, especially if they manage to win a medal in a multi-sport event.
As an example, the winner of a gold medal in the individual category at the 2018 Asiad received Rp 1.5 billion (US$106,082) from the government, while the silver and bronze winners went home with Rp 500 million and Rp 250 million in their pockets, respectively.
Aside from receiving a bonus from the central government some regional administrations have showered their athletes with additional prizes.
Veteran badminton player Mohammad Ahsan is among those who have been disciplined in saving his fortune for future needs.
