RI medal winners awarded insurance

JAKARTA (JP): Chairman of the National Sports Council Wismoyo Arismunandar said on Tuesday that rewards in the form of life insurance policies would be given to Indonesian athletes who won medals at the just-concluded Asian Games.

"We deem insurance is more useful for the athletes than cash, because it will protect their futures," Wismoyo said. He refused to unveil the amount, saying it would be discussed with his fellow council members.

Indonesia won six golds, 10 silvers and 11 bronzes at the Asiad. Wismoyo had said earlier that a gold medalist would earn Rp 50 million (US$6,600), a silver medal winner Rp 30 million and a bronze medalist Rp 15 million. However, he did not discuss at the time the form of the bonuses.

In addition to the life insurance policies, Indonesia's Asiad medalists will receive cash bonuses and scholarships from the Coordinating Minister for Social Welfare and Poverty Alleviation Haryono Suyono, Wismoyo said as quoted by Antara.

The government rewards amount to Rp 20 million for a gold medalist, Rp 15 million for a silver medalist and Rp 10 million for a bronze medalist. (amd)