Indonesia, under the leadership of President Joko Widodo, expressed its desire to host the Olympics during the G20 Summit in Bali. Mr Widodo, who is set to be replaced by Mr Prabowo in October, mentioned the possibility of Indonesia hosting the 2036 Olympics in the new capital Nusantara, which is being developed to replace Jakarta as the administrative capital.
Following the G20 Summit, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) confirmed Indonesia’s participation in the continuous dialogue phase of the bid process, which allows for an Indonesian delegation to monitor preparations by the Los Angeles 2028 organising committee. This phase does not require any financial commitments or guarantees from the interested party but instead aims to assess the progress of the project and provide feedback to assist with strategic decision-making.
In addition to the ongoing bid for hosting the Olympics, Indonesia also expressed interest in hosting the 2030 Youth Olympics. The National Olympic Committee (NOC) chairman Raja mentioned that while chasing the 2036 Olympics is a priority, the focus is currently on the 2030 Youth Olympics, which is closer in terms of timeline. Other countries interested in hosting the 2030 Youth Olympics include Thailand, India, and Mexico.
Apart from discussions related to the Olympics bid, Mr Prabowo, Mr Erick – chairman of the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI), and International Football Federation (FIFA) President Gianni Infantino held talks to enhance football collaboration. Mr Infantino praised Indonesia for its successful hosting of the U-17 World Cup and acknowledged the country’s efforts in advancing in football. The discussions highlighted the potential of leveraging football’s popularity among the youth population in Indonesia.
Mr Infantino expressed his appreciation for Indonesia’s hospitality during the FIFA U-17 World Cup and noted the passion Indonesians have for football. He emphasized the fantastic working relationship between FIFA, the PSSI, and Indonesia, as well as the progress made by the country in recent times. The establishment of FIFA’s new regional office in Jakarta further reflects the growing collaboration between FIFA and Indonesia in promoting football.
Overall, Indonesia’s aspirations to host major sporting events like the Olympics and the Youth Olympics demonstrate the country’s commitment to promoting sports and showcasing its capabilities on a global stage. The ongoing discussions and involvement with international sports organizations like the IOC and FIFA reflect Indonesia’s efforts to strengthen sports collaboration and leverage the popularity of football among the youth population. By actively engaging in bid processes and hosting international events, Indonesia aims to enhance its reputation as a sports-friendly nation and provide opportunities for athletes and spectators to participate in world-class sporting competitions.
