Jakarta, Sept. 15 -- For the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, the Indonesian government has promised Rp3 billion (around US$198,525) for gold medalists-a bonus announced by President Prabowo Subianto himself during the send-off of the Indonesian contingent at the State Palace in Jakarta on September 9.

Addressing hundreds of athletes bound for Japan, the president cited the figure while contrasting it with the Rp1 billion gold medal bonus set for the SEA Games.

That comparison elevated the discussion around bonuses beyond mere numbers, signaling how the government tiers the international competitions in which the nation competes. The Asian Games convenes sporting powerhouses from across Asia, whereas the SEA Games is regional to Southeast...