Indonesia celebrates 43rd National Sports Day and Asian Games preparations

Indonesia is commemorating the 43rd National Sports Day (Haornas) on September 9, 2026. The day honors the history of the first National Sports Week (PON) held in Solo in 1948 and serves to promote a culture of physical fitness and active living across the nation.

In Jakarta, officials are encouraging residents to utilize the city's 169 sports facilities and are planning to increase the frequency of Car Free Day events to boost public participation. In Bandung, local authorities are using the momentum to strengthen sports ecosystems and prepare for the upcoming West Java Provincial Sports Week (Porprov).

The commemoration coincides with the official release of the Indonesian contingent for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. President Prabowo Subianto has motivated athletes to strive for excellence, promising a bonus of Rp3 billion for each gold medalist. Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Taufik Hidayat urged athletes to prioritize performance and achievement over financial incentives, noting that bonuses are a result of success.