While most Asian countries are using the quadrennial event as a stepping stone for the upcoming London Olympics, Indonesia is still struggling to set its own targets in Guangzhou. Indonesian Sports Council (KONI) Chairwoman Rita Subowo said the country was aiming for "a better achievement" than that of four years ago.

Finishing 22nd in Doha - after bringing home only two gold medals, four silver and 14 bronze - this year Indonesia hopes to win gold medals in weightlifting, badminton, bowling, dragon boat racing, karate, wushu and beach volleyball.

It is hard for Indonesia to climb higher in the medal tally as the country still continues to bank its hopes on a few specific sports. While experts and observers have repeatedly called on KONI and sports organizations to focus on sports offering opportunities for the most gold medals.

Sporting stakeholders, including the government and society, have the responsibility to ensure an adequate supply of young talents to join the elite athletes who represent Indonesia on the international stage.

Without any unforeseen breakthroughs, increased public enthusiasm, or political will from the government, it is difficult for Indonesia to repeat its success on the regional and international levels. Until then, we can only consider ourselves as participants in international sporting events, rather than contenders to be reckoned with.

- THE JAKARTA POST