Athletes’ Security a Concern for Indonesian Sports

The majority of national athletes are not yet financially well-off, with some living in desperate conditions due to the lack of a state pension fund and health security scheme.

KOMPAS/RONY ARIYANTO NUGROHO

Weightlifting athlete, Eko Yuli Irawan, performs a lift while competing in the men\'s 62 kilograms number at the 2018 Asian Games at the Jakarta International Expo, Jakarta, Tuesday (21/8/2018). Life after retirement as an athlete is a challenge for Indonesian athletes, including Eko Yuli.

JAKARTA, KOMPAS — In the wake of lavish bonuses and prizes worth billions of rupiah given by the government and private sector to the Olympic and Paralympic medalists at Tokyo 2020, many sportspeople in the country are still finding it hard to feel secure.

Cash bonuses, which come only when the athletes excel, are short-lived for some as they are unable to guarantee their future financial security after they retire as an athlete.