Taufik Hidayat focused on improving Indonesia's sports, youth

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Taufik Hidayat stated that he would primarily focus on improving the performance of Indonesia's sports and youth sector.

Hidayat was inaugurated by President Prabowo Subianto on Monday (October 21), along with Youth and Sports Minister Dito Ariotedjo in the Red and White Cabinet, under Prabowo's administration for the 2024-2029 period.

"President Prabowo asked for improvement in our sports achievement. In this year's Olympics, we won two gold medals. It is expected to be better in the future," he noted in a statement from his office on Monday.

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The 2004 Athens badminton gold medalist is also determined to improve youth and sports achievements in accordance with Minister Ariotedjo's direction.

Moreover, Hidayat underscored the importance of coordination. Hence, he would coordinate closely with the minister to develop the future of Indonesian youth and sports.

Ariotedjo also welcomed Hidayat's presence to help him in running the office.

"I think it is very positive. He is an inspiring figure for the younger generation," he noted in a statement from his office on Monday.

Hidayat is a former badminton athlete with international achievements such as winning a gold medal in the 2004 Athens Olympics in the men's singles after defeating Shon Seung-mo from South Korea.

Ariotedjo, who was reappointed to the same post by President Prabowo, said that Hidayat would bring positive energy to the ministry.

He plans on delegating several main tasks to Hidayat that directly intersect with sports branches and young people.

"In our sports, he is a legend, and I am sure he will bring a positive energy and atmosphere," the minister remarked.

Ariotedjo spoke of having communicated with Hidayat to discuss matters related to future work as shared priorities for the progress of sports in the future.

On Monday, Prabowo officiated 48 ministers and 55 deputy ministers of the Red and White Cabinet for the 2024-2029 Period at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta.