Erick Thohir promotes sportainment as economic investment

Indonesian Minister of Youth and Sports Erick Thohir has expressed support for the ‘sportainment’ concept, which integrates sports with entertainment to drive economic growth and public health. Speaking at the Festival Mbois 11 held at Gajayana Stadium in Malang on August 23, 2026, Thohir emphasized that sports should no longer be viewed merely as an expense, but rather as a strategic economic investment.

Thohir noted that sporting events generate revenue through ticket sales, food and beverage transactions, and tax contributions. He also highlighted the long-term health benefits of an active population, particularly as Indonesia manages its demographic bonus of approximately 125 million citizens under the age of 30. He warned that without healthy lifestyle investments, future healthcare costs could rise significantly.

To strengthen the national sports ecosystem, the Minister called for collaboration between local governments, communities, and sports organizations such as the National Sports Committee of Indonesia (KONI) and the Indonesian Community Sports Committee (KORMI). He stated that a robust ecosystem would not only boost the economy but also cultivate potential athletes capable of representing Indonesia on the international stage.