ANTARA takes part in developing Bali sport tourism through public viewing

The National News Agency of Indonesia (LKBN) ANTARA is actively taking part in developing sport tourism in Bali. ANTARA President Director Benny Siga Butarbutar in Badung Regency on Sunday said the agency participated by holding a public viewing of the 2026 World Cup and a journalistic photo exhibition titled ‘Negeri Bola’ at the Peninsula Island tourism area, The Nusa Dua. ‘ANTARA is expected to fully support government activities such as building Bali’s sport tourism, so this is our opportunity to position ANTARA as an amplifier and actor in the state information ecosystem,’ he said. The public viewing was held in an open green space, inviting tourists in The Nusa Dua area and its surroundings to watch the quarter-final match between Argentina and Switzerland. From 8 a.m. local time, visitors wearing their favourite team’s attributes gathered, with not only international and domestic tourists but also Bali government officials such as Governor Wayan Koster present amidst the cheers of Argentina and Switzerland fans. Benny said that as the state news agency, it is their duty to bring joy to the public during the World Cup, adding that this event illustrates that football is a universal activity that unites everyone. From 11 to 24 July 2026, ANTARA is also holding a journalistic photo exhibition at the same location, summarising the journey, struggles, and traditions of Indonesian football over the years. ‘This World Cup brings spirit and joy, while also providing lessons on the quality of the tournament, the community, the enthusiasm, and the industry, with the most important lesson being our ability to provide spirit and hope that our national team can play at the World Cup level,’ Benny said. Bali Governor Wayan Koster expressed his appreciation for ANTARA’s initiative. He said the public viewing event aligns with the provincial government’s efforts to promote sport tourism, not only by holding sports activities directly but also by providing space for sports-loving tourists to enjoy the excitement of the World Cup at their holiday destination. ‘This really supports sport tourism, it’s great to hold it here, I’m very satisfied,’ Koster said. The Governor, who supported Argentina from the start, was also pleased as Alexis Mac Allister scored in the 10th minute, Julián Álvarez in the 112th, and Lautaro Martínez in the 120th to secure victory over Switzerland. General Manager of The Nusa Dua I Made Agus Dwiatmika added that the collaboration between the two state-owned entities aims to support the government’s mission and demonstrate that their sport tourism is not only in Mandalika but also in Bali as a connecting hub. He noted that the public viewing and photo exhibition at Peninsula Island was a first, with tourist enthusiasm exceeding expectations. ‘This is an open green space to support tourist comfort and can be used by the public outside the area, and this is the first time it’s been held outdoors at Peninsula, usually it’s done in individual hotels, the enthusiasm is great and it’s a breakthrough from ANTARA,’ he said. Adrian, a 52-year-old tourist from Australia, shared his experience watching the match at Peninsula Island. ‘I came to watch the match here, it was very exciting, and the people are very friendly, I also bought some food from over there (UMKM), the people there were very kind to me,’ he said. Adrian, who cycled from his hotel to the viewing area, said that during his three-day holiday, this was the first time he watched football in a crowd. He hopes more public viewings will be held in tourism areas so he can join in to watch.