The Minister of Youth and Sports (Menpora) emphasized the importance of a paradigm shift in viewing the sports sector in Indonesia. Sports should no longer be positioned merely as a budget burden or a cost center, but must be optimized as a new revenue opportunity and a means to strengthen national image or national branding.
The statement was made following directives from the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, regarding the strengthening of the national sports ecosystem. The Ministry of Youth and Sports is currently actively aligning its vision with all stakeholders to change this perspective, so that sports can become a productive economic pillar.
Data from the Ministry of Youth and Sports shows that the sport tourism trend, particularly marathon events, has provided a multiplier economic impact for regions. With 104 running events recorded across Indonesia involving millions of participants, there has been a surge in hotel occupancy and monetary circulation in the MSME and culinary sectors in host cities, such as Bandung and Mandalika.
In addition to marathons, the Ministry of Youth and Sports highlighted the huge economic potential of professional sports leagues. Currently, the economic circulation value of the national football league has reached IDR 700 billion, followed by the basketball league at IDR 60 billion. However, the Minister believes this figure can still be significantly increased through the development of more competitive sports leagues.
Reflecting on the success of the sports industry in the United States, the government is committed to continuing to encourage professionalism and commercialization of the domestic sports ecosystem. By prioritizing more efficient and modern management, sports are expected to become a new economic engine capable of making a real contribution to national economic growth and reflecting the country's progress in the eyes of the world.
