The Indonesian Olympic Committee (NOC Indonesia) has officially highlighted the importance of strengthening the national sports ecosystem through a benchmarking study in the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) in the United States. This step was taken as a strategic effort to integrate various key elements, ranging from early-stage athlete development to professional sports industry management.
NOC Indonesia President, Raja Sapta Oktohari, emphasized that the United States is the right benchmark due to its consistency in dominating the top ranks of the Olympic Games. According to him, the U.S. success stems from a holistic system in which academia, funding, sports marketing, and sport science synergize in a sustainable pipeline.
During the visit from June 18 to 29, 2026, the Indonesian delegation studied talent development patterns, including the crucial role of universities in scouting athletic talent through the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) system. Okto believes that this integrated approach is an absolute key for Indonesia to maximize its athletes' potential on the international stage.
In addition to the NOC Indonesia President, the delegation included key sports figures such as Greysia Polii and Richard Sam Bera. Their presence is expected to bring new insights into the importance of good governance, the development of sport entrepreneurship, and the enforcement of better anti-doping standards to solidify the foundation of national sports in the future.
