RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesian Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Taufik Hidayat welcomed home the national contingent from the ASEAN Para Games 2025 in Thailand at Adi Soemarmo International Airport on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, highlighting both their medal achievements and the government’s continued commitment to developing disability sports.

Upon arrival, Deputy Minister Taufik personally greeted the athletes, coaches, and officials, placing flower garlands on National Paralympic Committee (NPC) Indonesia chairman Senny Marbun and members of the delegation. An emotional and celebratory atmosphere marked the return of the team after competing in Southeast Asia’s biggest multi-sport event for athletes with disabilities.

“Welcome home. You are sporting heroes who have made the nation proud at the ASEAN Para Games in Thailand,” he said in his remarks, as quoted on the ministry's official website.

Indonesia finished second in the overall medal standings with a total of 135 gold, 143 silver, and 114 bronze medals, an outcome that exceeded the initial targets set before the Games.

He praised the athletes’ determination and discipline, stressing that their achievements demonstrated resilience in the face of limitations. “You have shown fighting spirit, hard work, discipline, and mental toughness. You proved that limitations are not barriers to achieving the highest level of performance,” he added.

He also conveyed warm greetings from President Prabowo Subianto and Youth and Sports Minister Erick Thohir, noting that the minister was unable to attend the welcome ceremony due to a simultaneous working meeting with the House of Representatives (DPR).

Speaking at the same event, NPC Indonesia chairman Senny Marbun expressed appreciation for the government’s full support of the national paralympic movement. 

“The athletes departed for Thailand with the blessing of the President and the Minister. The results were extraordinary, we broke 25 ASEAN Para Games records and one Asian record,” he explained.

Beyond celebrating past achievements, he emphasized the government’s commitment to strengthening long-term athlete development and improving facilities for disability sports. 

He described paralympic athletes as a major source of inspiration for the wider public, noting their ability to achieve international success despite physical challenges.

“They inspire us all. With their limitations, they prove they can excel. Their fighting spirit is extraordinary and motivates us to keep supporting and encouraging them,” he continued.

He underlined the importance of sustained training and consistency, especially with tougher competitions ahead, including the Asian Para Games 2026. “The challenges will be greater. I ask the athletes to maintain their spirit and performance so they can continue to represent Indonesia and bring honor to the nation,” he further said.

He also applauded athletes who set new records during the Games, calling the achievement a valuable foundation for moving up to higher levels of competition. “This is a strong starting point for stepping into the next stage,” he concluded.

Indonesia secured 135 gold, 143 silver, and 114 bronze medals, placing the country second on the final standings of the ASEAN Para Games 2025 in Thailand, reinforcing the country’s position as one of the region’s leading forces in disability sports. The Games ran from January 20-26, 2026. ***