Indonesia's Minister Urges Esports Leaders to Boost Sport Tourism, Industry Growth

JAKARTA -- Indonesian Minister of Youth and Sports Erick Thohir called on the newly inaugurated leaders of the Indonesian Esports Association (IESPA) to actively promote sport tourism and the nation's esports industry. Speaking at the IESPA's 2026-2031 leadership inauguration in Jakarta on Saturday, Thohir stressed that the rapid growth of esports in Indonesia, recognized as a crucial creative economy subsector, requires more than just government spending.

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I believe that the growth of achievement sports, community sports empowerment, the sports industry, and sport tourism cannot solely rely on government spending. Esports can only thrive if the private sector invests and drives it, creating purchasing power and balance.

"I believe that the growth of achievement sports, community sports empowerment, the sports industry, and sport tourism cannot solely rely on government spending," Thohir stated. "Esports can only thrive if the private sector invests and drives it, creating purchasing power and balance."

Thohir pointed to the significant global value of sport tourism, projected to grow eightfold by 2032, and the annual eight percent growth in the sports industry, presenting a missed opportunity if not leveraged. He highlighted Indonesia's demographic advantage with a large youth population and high creativity as key potentials. "With Indonesia's substantial youth demographic and high creativity, our potential is immense," he said. He also advised provincial IESPA leaders to study their local demographic and economic situations, as larger provinces do not necessarily produce the best athletes.

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With Indonesia's substantial youth demographic and high creativity, our potential is immense.

"We hope for improved synergy between the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Indonesian Olympic Committee, the National Sports Committee of Indonesia, provincial sports agencies, and regional governments, as well as economic empowerment in the sports industry, to foster unity," Thohir added. He invited IESPA to be part of the upcoming Indonesia Sports Summit and the national sports reform initiative championed by the President.

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We hope for improved synergy between the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Indonesian Olympic Committee, the National Sports Committee of Indonesia, provincial sports agencies, and regional governments, as well as economic empowerment in the sports industry, to foster unity.

IESPA Chairman Ibnu Riza, who was inaugurated for the 2026-2031 term, expressed gratitude for the minister's direct involvement, seeing it as an acknowledgment of community sports, industry, and the entire ecosystem, not just elite competition. Riza emphasized that IESPA officials must actively engage with provincial and local branches to develop Indonesian esports. "Esports has now evolved into both an achievement and a profession, so this opportunity must be developed," he stated. "IESPA Provincial Chairmen must directly engage with their regencies and cities to develop Indonesian esports."

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Esports has now evolved into both an achievement and a profession, so this opportunity must be developed. IESPA Provincial Chairmen must directly engage with their regencies and cities to develop Indonesian esports.