Ajax CEO to speak at Indonesia Sport Summit 2026
The Ministry of Youth and Sports (Kemenpora) has stated that Ajax Amsterdam CEO Menno Geelen will attend as one of the speakers at the Indonesia Sport Summit (ISS) 2026, scheduled to take place in September.
“The Ajax CEO will later explain how they optimise Ajax Amsterdam’s assets,” said Teuku Arlan Perkasa Lukman, Deputy for Sports Industry Development at Kemenpora, during a press conference for the Jakarta Hybrid Race in Jakarta on Thursday.
Arlan explained that Geelen’s presence is expected to provide an overview of professional football club management, particularly in optimising sports assets and facilities so that they have economic value while also supporting sporting activities.
One of the topics to be presented is the management of the Johan Cruyff Arena, Ajax’s home stadium, which is not only used as a match venue but is also utilised for various other activities beyond football matches.
“He will also explain how they optimise existing assets, including the stadium,” he said.
According to Arlan, the management of sports facilities as practised by Ajax can serve as a reference for Indonesia in developing sports infrastructure. Sports facilities should not only be viewed as match venues but can also be managed professionally to provide broader economic benefits.
Private sector involvement is considered important because it can help create sustainable sports facility management, including through commercial partnerships, event organisation, and asset utilisation outside match schedules.
Arlan mentioned that in addition to the Ajax CEO, a representative from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) is also scheduled to attend as a speaker at ISS 2026.
“As for the main points (to be delivered by the AFC representative), I don’t quite remember, but the AFC General Secretary is confirmed to attend,” he said.
Furthermore, Arlan explained that ISS 2026, now in its second year, is a platform that brings together various parties from across the sports ecosystem, from government, federations, clubs, athletes, industry players, to the private sector.
According to him, the meeting aims not only to strengthen relationships among sports stakeholders but also to open up opportunities for cooperation and economic transactions within the sports industry.
“So when it comes to buying and selling and all sorts of things, that will be present at the Indonesia Sport Summit,” he said.
Arlan hopes that ISS can become a space for sports industry players to exchange experiences, build networks, and seek collaboration opportunities that can support the growth of the sports industry in Indonesia.