The Indonesian Olympic Committee (NOC Indonesia) is striving to transform national sports governance by learning directly from the sports ecosystem in the United States. Through participation in the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) from June 18 to 29, 2026, the NOC Indonesia delegation studied various crucial aspects, ranging from early-childhood athlete development to self-reliant sports funding strategies.
The Chairman of NOC Indonesia, Raja Sapta Oktohari, emphasized that the United States' success in dominating Olympic medal tallies is inseparable from a comprehensively integrated system. According to him, Indonesia, with its large population base, has the potential to adopt a development model involving universities, the sports industry, and the application of qualified sport science as part of a sustainable ecosystem.
During visits to several cities including Chicago, Indianapolis, Colorado Springs, and Los Angeles, the Indonesian delegation studied the operational model of the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC). One of the key points highlighted was the success of the American funding model, which combines commercial partnerships, philanthropic donations, and broadcasting rights, creating a solid financial foundation for athletes.
In addition to organizational management, the crucial role of universities in scouting athletic talent through collegiate competition systems is a valuable lesson that NOC Indonesia will analyze. Oktohari stated that the findings and insights from this program will eventually be coordinated with the Ministry of Youth and Sports to be adapted to the needs and characteristics of sports in the country.
This IVLP program also received a warm welcome from the United States Embassy. US Embassy Spokesperson, Jamie Ravetz, stated that this initiative is a concrete manifestation of cross-border cooperation in strengthening public diplomacy through the sports sector, while also opening wider collaboration opportunities for the future of Indonesian national athletes on the international stage.
