Prabowo Welcomes 2026 Asian Games Gold via Video Call: "Keep Fighting!"

President Prabowo Subianto called the Indonesian men's badminton team directly after it had just delivered a gold medal at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, on Thursday night (24/9/2026). The call was made shortly after he arrived at his residence following a series of state engagements.

According to Cabinet Secretary Lt. Col. Teddy Indra Wijaya of the Indonesian Army, the President conveyed his appreciation and moral encouragement to the athletes. "On Thursday night, 24 September 2026, upon arriving at his residence after his activities, President Prabowo took the time to call the Indonesian National Badminton Team, which had just won a gold medal at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan," Teddy said in an official statement on Friday (25/9/2026).

In that conversation, Prabowo sent a brief but firm message: "Keep fighting!" The message was delivered so that the athletes would not stop fighting and would continue to give their best for the nation. Teddy added that the head of state's attention was expected to serve as a boost of spirit for all Indonesian athletes still competing.

The dramatic victory over China was an important marker for the Merah Putih contingent. Throughout Asian Games history, badminton has indeed been Indonesia's medal lode, but the pressure in the men's team event is always high because it must face traditional powers such as China, South Korea, and Japan. The 3-2 win showed squad depth that no longer relies on just one or two names.

Names such as Alwi Farhan and Leo Daniel were mentioned in public attention after the final match. This combination of young and senior players signals that the national badminton regeneration is underway, though it still requires sustained development. The 2026 Asian Games itself is being held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, and serves as an important testing ground ahead of the next Olympic cycle.

"Let us pray that Indonesian athletes achieve the best results and bring honor to the nation. Indonesia Wins!" — Teddy Indra Wijaya, Cabinet Secretary

From a policy standpoint, the President's direct attention to athletes amid a packed state agenda shows that elite sport remains part of public diplomacy. Every gold medal at an international event is not only about prestige, but also capital for attracting sponsors, increasing public participation, and strengthening Indonesia's position in the Asian sporting arena. For those in the sports industry, moments like this often become a catalyst for long-term development investment.

For readers in Indonesia, especially investors and professionals monitoring the creative economy and sports sectors, this achievement has the potential to drive the supporting ecosystem: tournament organization, merchandise sales, and broadcasting rights. The government is also expected to ensure that support does not stop at congratulations, but continues into development budgets, training facilities, and athlete welfare. Without that, achievements on the Asian stage could be difficult to sustain.

Going forward, the question is not only how many more golds Indonesia can win at the 2026 Asian Games, but how far political attention to athletes is followed by concrete policy. If this momentum is managed seriously, badminton and other sports have the opportunity to write greater history. If not, last night's video call could become merely a sweet note without long-term impact.