Indonesia sports leaders advocate for strengthened national sports ecosystem

Sports leaders in Indonesia are advocating for a more robust national sports ecosystem to drive sustainable success and economic growth. At the Indonesia Sports Summit 2026, Asian Football Confederation (AFC) General Secretary Datuk Seri Windsor John emphasized that long-term football success requires more than just passion; it necessitates vision, investment, strong institutions, and clear pathways from grassroots to elite levels.

Windsor John highlighted that a healthy football ecosystem must include youth development, age-group competitions, professional clubs, and qualified coaching. He noted that Indonesia's large population and young demographic provide significant potential for football to evolve into a major industry through innovation, tourism, and job creation.

Complementing this, the National Sports Committee of Indonesia (KONI) is pushing to expand the scope of national sports development beyond athlete performance. During a visit to the Mataram University of Education, KONI officials discussed integrating sport tourism and utilizing sports intelligence to enhance national sporting quality. KONI representatives noted that sports achievements serve to elevate national dignity on the international stage while contributing to broader national resilience.