Did Indonesia Really Cheat in the Asian Games?

There have been allegations of cheating and controversies surrounding Indonesia's hosting of the Asian Games, particularly in 2018. These claims involved issues like manipulation of results, disputes over judging, and accusations of unfair advantages in certain events. However, it's important to note that such allegations are not uncommon in large international competitions where national pride and intense competition can lead to scrutiny of results.

A Home Advantage

Indonesia's home advantage cannot be understated. The phrase "fish can't run on dry land but they swim fast in the ocean" aptly describes the competitive edge the home team often enjoys. Indonesia's achievement at the 2018 Asian Games, where they claimed their highest position in the medal table, is a testament to this advantage. Historical data from previous Asian Games and Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) indicates a significant gap in performance, especially when viewed against the backdrop of the 1990s to the early 2000s.

Medal Performance Comparison

In the 2000s, Indonesia hardly made the top 10 in the Asian Games medal count, whereas in 2018, they managed to secure a top 4 position. This performance contrasts sharply with their earlier achievements. The table below provides a comprehensive comparison of Indonesia's medal acquisition across different Asian Games:

Asian Games Rank in the 2000s 2018 Ranking 2002 not in top 10 - 2006 not in top 10 - 2010 not in top 10 - 2014 not in top 10 - 2018 - top 4

Moreover, in the SEA Games, Indonesia's historical dominance is evident. The table below highlights their consistent performance as a top contender:

Countries Number of Championships Indonesia 10 times Thailand 7 times Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam 1 time each

Support and Incentives for Athletes

The success of the Indonesian sports team can be attributed to various factors, including strong public support, the seriousness of the official team, and a supportive sports organization. Since the reformation era, the government has implemented significant changes to incentivize athletes. For instance, gold medalists at the 2018 Asian Games received substantial bonuses, housing, and job security, which are incentives that would keep any athlete highly motivated.

Challenges and Improvements

While significant strides have been made, the Indonesian sports sector has faced numerous challenges. Issues such as match-fixing, poor infrastructure, and slow bureaucracy have affected the sport ecosystem. The Hambalang Sports Center project, which aimed to provide first-class facilities, was hampered by corruption, depriving athletes of the necessary training grounds. However, recent improvements have been implemented to streamline the bonus disbursement process and reduce tax deductions, demonstrating a concerted effort to support athletes and their families.

Political and Economic Factors

The 2018 Asian Games were held during a politically charged year, with elections scheduled the following year. This created an additional layer of scrutiny. Despite this, no evidence of widespread cheating has been found, and efforts to support athletes have surpassed previous initiatives. The government's commitment to ensure that athletes' hard work is not undermined by corruption has been concrete.

As we look towards the next Asian Games, there is hope that Indonesia's athletes will perform to the best of their abilities, backed by strong support from the government, official teams, and the public. Only time will tell how they will fare, but the foundation has been laid for more success.