Indonesian Ambassador in Washington Gives Full Support to Indonesian-American Games 2026 Initiative by Young Diaspora
Indonesia’s diplomatic mission in the United States has expressed support for plans to hold the Indonesian-American Games (IAG) 2026, an initiative developed by young members of the Indonesian diaspora. The support was conveyed during a hybrid coordination meeting on 4 March 2026 that brought together the Indonesian Embassy in Washington (KBRI), the Indonesian Consulate General in Chicago (KJRI), and the event organisers to finalise preparations for the sporting event scheduled to take place in Chicago in June 2026.
Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to the United States in Washington D.C., Dwisuryo Indroyono Soesilo, expressed appreciation for the initiative undertaken by young Indonesian diaspora members. He viewed the Indonesian-American Games as a positive step to strengthen ties among Indonesian communities in the United States through sport, whilst also creating opportunities to identify young talented athletes who could strengthen Indonesia’s national teams.
Dwisuryo also highlighted the enthusiasm demonstrated by the event organisers, Davon Arjunaidi and his team, who remain optimistic about preparing the event despite having only approximately three months until its implementation.
According to the plan, the Indonesian-American Games will be held in Chicago on 19–21 June 2026, featuring more than eight sports. The event is expected to attract hundreds of participants from 50 states across the United States.
According to Dwisuryo, the courage shown by young diaspora members in taking the initiative to organise an internationally-scaled community event should be appreciated. He even said that this spirit reminded him of his own youth.
“I see very good spirit from Davon. At his age, I also had the same energy to initiate various positive things. What he has initiated is a good activity, and personally I give my support to the organisation of the Indonesian-American Games 2026,” he said in a statement released on Friday (13 March 2026).
Similar support was also expressed by the representative of the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Chicago, Trisari Dyah Paramita. She affirmed that her office welcomes the movement initiated by young Indonesian diaspora members, particularly one aimed at strengthening community networks whilst promoting national identity.
According to Trisari, the KJRI Chicago would facilitate further communication with Indonesian diaspora communities in the United States so that the concept of the event could be disseminated more comprehensively.
“We welcome the initiative undertaken by young Indonesians. We will communicate with the Indonesian Diaspora Network USA and also request a special meeting with the event organisers so that we can clearly specialise regarding the technical aspects of implementing the Indonesian-American Games 2026,” she said.
Meanwhile, Deputy Head of the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Washington D.C., Iwan Freddy Hari Susanto, also assessed that the Indonesian-American Games has the potential to become a new space for the Indonesian diaspora in America to strengthen solidarity through sporting activities and social interaction.
“We welcome the plan to organise the Indonesian-American Games 2026 which will be held for the first time. This is a positive movement and can serve as a forum for togetherness among the Indonesian diaspora in the United States,” said Iwan.
Meanwhile, Davon Arjunaidi, as the initiator of the Indonesian-American Games 2026, expressed appreciation for the attention and support from representatives of the Indonesian government in the United States.
According to Davon, moral support from the KBRI and KJRI, particularly KJRI Chicago, provided important impetus for the organising team to finalise preparations ahead of the event.
“For us, the Indonesian-American Games is not just a sports competition, but also a movement to bring together the Indonesian diaspora from various cities in America. We want to make it a space for friendship, collaboration, and pride in being an Indonesian nation,” said Davon.
He added that support from the Indonesian diplomats in the United States gave new energy to the organising team to ensure that the event could proceed well.
“The support from the Ambassador, KBRI, and KJRI in the United States is a tremendous boost for us. This shows that young diaspora initiatives also receive serious attention from the state,” he said.
Davon hopes the Indonesian-American Games can develop into an annual tradition for the Indonesian diaspora in the United States in strengthening brotherhood whilst introducing the spirit of sportsmanship to young Indonesians abroad.