December 21, 2025 | 06:49 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Southeast Asian Games or SEA Games 2025 in Thailand officially concluded after the closing ceremony was held at the Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok on Saturday night, December 20, 2025. The biennial multi-event's conclusion marked the end of the competition among athletes from 11 Southeast Asian countries and signaled the countdown to the next SEA Games in Malaysia in 2027.
The closing ceremony was lively with the theme 'The Sound of Whistle,' symbolizing the whistle as not just the end of the competition, but also the beginning of a new journey for the athletes. Thousands of athletes, officials, volunteers, and spectators immersed themselves in the camaraderie as the athletes from 54 sporting events paraded around the main stadium field.
Thailand's Minister of Tourism and Sports, Artthakorn Sirilatthayakorn, expressed appreciation to all athletes, officials, and participating countries who made the 33rd SEA Games a success. He emphasized that the event was not just about medal achievements, but also about friendship, sportsmanship, and the unity of Southeast Asia.
The peak of the ceremony was marked by a video montage of the best moments of the SEA Games 2025, before the symbolic extinguishing of the torch. The procession was accompanied by the simultaneous blowing of whistles by the audience, creating an emotional and reflective atmosphere regarding the athletes' struggles throughout the competition.
The hosting duties for the next SEA Games were then handed over to Malaysia. The handover of the SEA Games Federation flag was followed by the hoisting of Malaysia's national flag, symbolizing their role as the host of the 2027 SEA Games, and was greeted by applause from the delegations of the participating countries. Malaysia then presented a cultural performance titled 'Rhythm in Harmony' as a preview of the event's organization concept and a promotion of tourism in the neighboring country.
Kierana Alexandra Leads the Indonesian Defile
During the closing ceremony, ice skating athlete Kierana Alexandra Laut was entrusted with carrying the Indonesian flag as the Indonesian contingent paraded in the stadium. The Indonesian contingent was led by Chef de Mission Bayu Priawan Djokosoetono. Kierana's appointment symbolized Indonesia's sports regeneration in Southeast Asia.
Indonesian athletes and officials participating in the defile during the closing ceremony of SEA Games 2025 at the Rajamangala Stadium, Bangkok, Thailand, December 20, 2025. Antara/Nova Wahyudi
The 17-year-old athlete stood out in her debut at the SEA Games by securing a silver medal in the short track speed skating mixed relay event and a bronze medal in the 1,500-meter individual event. 'The competition was very intense, and the pressure was tremendous. But the team's support made me confident and able to endure,' said Kierana, as quoted by Antara.
She admitted to being nervous when carrying the Indonesian flag at the closing ceremony. 'I feel very honored to be entrusted with carrying the Indonesian flag. I was nervous, but this is an experience I will never forget,' she said.
The athlete, who was born and raised in Canada with a mother from Jember and a father from Siantar, affirmed her commitment to representing Indonesia on the international stage. According to her, the 2025 SEA Games is an important stepping stone towards higher achievements. 'The future target is definitely gold. The SEA Games has proven that Indonesia's speed skating has strength and can be a step towards the Olympics,' Kierana said.
Chef de Mission of the Indonesian team, Bayu Priawan Djokosoetono, appreciated the efforts of all athletes, coaches, and officials throughout the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand. 'The achievements in the SEA Games are not only about medals but also about dedication and pride in representing Indonesia,' Bayu said.
He stated that the experience of competing in the 2025 SEA Games would be an important part of the athletes' career journey. 'The SEA Games is part of the national sports history. Hopefully, the fighting spirit of the athletes will become the foundation for achieving higher accomplishments in the future,' he added.
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