The Indonesian Olympic Committee (NOC Indonesia) is exploring a strategy to transform the national sports system by adopting development models from the United States. Through the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), a delegation led by NOC Indonesia President Raja Sapta Oktohari conducted an in-depth observation across four US states to analyze the country's success in producing world-class athletes.
Okto emphasized that sports achievement cannot be attained partially, but requires an integrated ecosystem. According to him, the US has successfully positioned universities as nurturing centers through talent pipeline systems, such as the one run by the NCAA. This model is considered relevant for implementation in Indonesia, aligning with the government's vision to strengthen long-term national training centers through more professional and scientific governance.
During their visits to Chicago, Indianapolis, Colorado Springs, and Los Angeles, the NOC Indonesia delegation explored various strategic aspects, ranging from organizational management and sport science to sustainable funding models. Intensive discussions with the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) provided new insights into the importance of diversifying funding sources, involving commercial partnerships, the private sector, and philanthropy to maintain the financial independence of the sports ecosystem.
The findings from this learning trip are scheduled to be reported directly to the Minister of Youth and Sports, Erick Thohir. This step is expected to serve as a reference in drafting sports policies adaptive to Indonesia's characteristics, while strengthening bilateral diplomacy through sports and education.
Responding to the visit, US Embassy Spokesperson Jamie Ravetz welcomed the collaboration. He stated that the program is a tangible manifestation of the US commitment to strengthening cross-country knowledge sharing, using sports as a strategic instrument to deepen diplomatic ties and build a better future for the sporting world for both nations.
