SARGA.CO – A historic milestone has finally been achieved for Indonesian equestrian sports. At the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand, Indonesia’s equestrian team captured its first-ever gold medal in SEA Games history, marking a proud new chapter for the Red and White.
The historic gold was secured in the Show Jumping – Team Jumping event, delivered through the solid performances of Indonesia’s four top riders: Brayen Nathan Brata-Coolen, Arserl Rizki Brayudha, Raymen Kaunang, and Dirga Wira Ramadhan Saputra.
For Dirga Wira Ramadhan Saputra, the victory was especially meaningful. Not only did it bring Indonesia its first equestrian gold, but it also marked its SEA Games debut.
“This gold medal means a lot to me, to my family, and of course to my country,” said Dirga, as quoted from kemenpora.go.id on Thursday, December 18, 2025.
Looking ahead, he expressed strong optimism. “My next focus is the Asian Games, and my ultimate goal is the Olympics,” he added.
Indonesia’s team showed confidence from the qualification rounds. All four riders delivered clear rounds with no penalties, demonstrating composure and consistency in the arena. Brayen Nathan Brata-Coolen recorded the fastest times, clocking 77.53 seconds in the first round and 65.57 seconds in the second.
“In the first round, we were all a bit nervous. The pressure was different because everyone wanted to give their best for the country. In the second round, the time was tighter, and the risk of mistakes was higher,” Brayen explained.
A Thrilling Jump-Off Battle
In the final round, Indonesia once again delivered a strong performance. However, Malaysia posted identical results, forcing the gold-medal decision into a jump-off at the Thai Polo & Equestrian Club in Pattaya. The tension was palpable as both teams once again completed clear rounds. The outcome ultimately came down to time, and Indonesia emerged victorious.
With a total time of 107.01 seconds, Indonesia edged out Malaysia, which recorded 110.08 seconds, a margin of about three seconds that sealed the historic gold.
“I’m proud of how we all got through the most intense moments in the arena,” said Brayen.
He also praised the teamwork and coaching support. “I’ve only been working with this horse for a few months, but today’s result shows how well the team’s hard work has paid off.”
Indonesia’s Equestrian Medal Haul
As of December 17, 2025, Indonesia’s equestrian contingent had collected four medals at the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand. These include:
Bronze in Individual Eventing by Steven Menayang
Silver in Team Eventing by Welda Agapindo, Jamhur Hatta, Riko Ganda Febryanto, and Steven Menayang
Silver in Team Dressage by Alfaro Menayang, Dara Ninggar Prameswari, Audirania Amanda Putri, and Karen Leticia Herjawan
In response to this historic achievement, Minister of Youth and Sports Erick Thohir expressed his highest appreciation for the athletes and support teams.
“I thank the equestrian athletes for making new history at this SEA Games. Their perseverance and spirit have finally delivered the first gold medal,” said Minister Erick.
He emphasized that equestrian sports will remain a national development priority.
“It is absolutely right that equestrian is included among the 21 priority sports we will continue to support and monitor through a clear roadmap, because its potential is enormous. This is neither the first nor the last gold—this is the opening gold for Indonesia’s future equestrian achievements.”
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