Minister Erick Thohir: World-Class Sporting Events as Economic Engines

Minister of Youth and Sports Erick Thohir stressed that hosting international sporting events in Indonesia is no longer merely a form of public entertainment. According to him, sporting events have now become a driver of national economic growth. “There should be no perception that sport is just a burden. Everyone only thinks about costs, costs, and costs. In fact, sport has now become a revenue centre, a source of additional income for the state,” said Minister Erick in response to the planned match between Chelsea and AC Milan on 8 August in Indonesia. According to Minister Erick, international matches have a broad economic impact. Ticket sales generate economic transactions, the government receives income from taxes, while Indonesia also gains global promotion. He explained that, in line with the President’s directives, new economic growth must be driven through various sectors, including the sports industry and sport tourism. For this reason, the Ministry of Youth and Sports now has a deputy specifically handling the sports industry, which previously did not exist. Erick appreciated the promoters and private parties capable of bringing world-class matches to Indonesia. The government, he said, will provide maximum support according to its capabilities. He added that the presence of international matches is also part of efforts to increase the exposure of Indonesian football at the global level. Responding to the possibility of major European clubs facing the Indonesian National Team, Erick stressed that the national team should compete against other national teams because such matches are related to earning FIFA points. He said PSSI’s current focus is on building Indonesian clubs to be more professional through the implementation of club licensing, adequate stadium ownership, and sound management. Erick explained that the Ministry of Youth and Sports has cooperated with the Ministry of Home Affairs and related ministries to encourage the utilisation of regional and central government assets for use by sports clubs, including football. According to him, if the financial condition of clubs becomes healthier, then Indonesian clubs will have the opportunity to face elite world teams. “If later there is Manchester United against Persija, or Persib against Paris Saint-Germain, that would certainly be good. However, perhaps the commercial value and competitive level are not there yet,” he said. According to Erick, matches like Chelsea versus AC Milan are a realistic step at this time. He also reminded that previously Aston Villa came to Indonesia to face an All-Star team, not the Indonesian National Team.