Catherine Surya receives West Java's biggest bonus
Catherine Surya receives West Java's biggest bonus
JAKARTA (JP): Swimmer Catherine Surya received West Java's
biggest bonus on Saturday, when she took home Rp 90.8 million
(US$38,638) for winning the province five gold medals and for
breaking two national records at the just concluded 14th National
Games.
Suara Pembaruan reported yesterday, however, that other gold
medal athletes from West Java were less than satisfied with their
bonus money.
West Java governor Nuriana handed the bonuses to the athletes
in a ceremony at his residence in Gedung Pakuan in Bandung, the
capital of the province.
Runner-up West Java, which won 71 gold medals behind overall
champion Jakarta, awarded Rp 12.5 million for each gold medal
earned, Rp 6.25 million for each silver and Rp 3.125 million for
each bronze medal. Those who won no medals were given Rp 650,000.
Catherine's five gold medals earned her Rp 62.5 million.
Because she broke two national records, she was given additional
bonuses, which brought her total to Rp 90.8 million.
Those from team competitions were the most disgruntled over
having to share the lump-sum gold medal bonus with their
teammates.
"Let us give back the money," a disgruntled basketball player,
who refused to be identified, was quoted by Pembaruan as saying.
Insult was added to injury when they heard that East Java gave
nearly Rp 15 million to each of its gold medalists. Some unhappy
athletes just walked away after receiving their share of the
award money.
Governor Nuriana said after delivering the bonuses that the
recipients should not dwell on the amount of money, which he
called "an endearment."
"This is an expression of love from a father (referring to
himself) to his children. This money is just pocket money, some
of which may be put into your savings accounts," he said.
The bonuses given in other provinces varied. Southeast
Sulawesi promised Rp 5 million to each gold medalist. South
Kalimantan and West Nusa Tenggara allocated Rp 10 million for
each gold medal earned. (arf)