Indonesia increasingly eyed as preseason destination for global football clubs

Indonesia is emerging as a favored preseason destination for global football clubs, a trend welcomed by Minister of Youth and Sports Erick Thohohir. He views this growing interest as a positive sign that Indonesia's football atmosphere and sports industry are gaining international acclaim.

This development offers a significant opportunity to elevate the quality of sports events within the country and expand international partnerships. Thohohir believes this will strengthen Indonesia's position as a key player in the Asian sports industry.

August 2026 has seen a series of high-profile preseason matches. The series kicked off on August 1 with a match between English Premier League club Aston Villa and the Indonesia All-Stars. This was followed by a highly anticipated clash between European giants Chelsea and AC Milan at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium.

The schedule continues with Australian club Brisbane Roar set to face Persija Jakarta on August 29 at the Jakarta International Stadium. Thohohir emphasized that these events not only showcase Indonesia's capabilities as an international football event host but also stimulate the national sports economy, benefiting sectors from tourism and hospitality to local small businesses.

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The government welcomes the increasing number of world football clubs choosing Indonesia as a place to undergo preseason. I am happy Aston Villa has previously presented a very good match and received an extraordinary welcome from the public. Tomorrow we will watch Chelsea face AC Milan, and at the end of the month Brisbane Roar meet Persija Jakarta. This shows Indonesia is increasingly considered as a host of international football events.