Indonesian international sports competition preparations

Indonesia is mobilizing various athletic contingents for upcoming international competitions. In September 2026, the Indonesian Olympic Committee announced preparations for the inaugural SEA Plus Youth Games, scheduled for 2027 in Manila, which aims to expand participation beyond Southeast Asian nations to include guests like Australia and New Zealand. Simultaneously, the national weightlifting team departed for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.

By October 2026, focus shifted toward disability sports. Minister of Youth and Sports Erick Thohir and Chef de Mission Reda Manthovani officially sent off a 103-athlete contingent in Surakarta for the 2026 Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, held from October 18 to 24. The National Paralympic Committee (NPC) Indonesia has set a target to finish in the top 10 overall, aiming for seven gold, eight silver, and 17 bronze medals. Badminton, athletics, and boccia are identified as primary medal prospects, with veteran para-swimmer Jendi Pangabean seeking to defend previous titles. Thohir noted a strategic goal to close the regional gap with Thailand, which leads Southeast Asia in historical gold medal counts.

As of mid-October, the contingent has arrived in Nagoya. Chef de Mission Reda Manthovani stated that the immediate priority is “environmental adaptation.” While the official opening ceremony is scheduled for October 18, qualifying rounds for para badminton and para table tennis are set to begin on October 16. Defending SH6 mixed doubles champion Subhan noted that while he has reached approximately “90 percent of his preparation,” he remains focused on adjusting to local weather and facing strong competition from China.

Regional efforts to promote inclusive sports continue through the deployment of Special Olympics Indonesia (SOIna) contingents from Banten and Kampar for the second National Special Olympics Week (PESONAS II) in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara.