Supported by President, Minister Erick Ready to Continue Coaching Certification for Persons with Disabilities
Youth and Sports Minister (Menpora) Erick Thohir has affirmed the government’s commitment through the Ministry of Youth and Sports to strengthening disability sports in the country. This was conveyed by the Minister after meeting President Prabowo Subianto in Hambalang, Bogor, West Java, on Friday (19/6/2026).
During the meeting, Minister Erick reported on a series of the Ministry’s priority programmes, including the strengthening of disability sports development, which is a particular concern and focus of President Prabowo. One such programme is the development of coaching certification for persons with disabilities.
The Minister stated that this certification is provided so that disabled sportsmen and women have the opportunity to become coaches. This allows them to contribute further to national sports development, especially when they are no longer active as disabled athletes.
“We must not let these athletes only be remembered when they are successful, but when they finish, only a thank you is given,” said the Minister.
This certification programme, Minister Erick revealed, has already begun through the Trainer of Trainers (TOT) programme for Disability Sports Activists from the Ministry, in cooperation with the National Paralympic Committee (NPC).
The Minister added that this certification programme is also part of promoting a sports culture within the disability community. This follows President Prabowo’s directive that all Indonesian citizens have equal rights to participate and contribute in the field of sports.
“The President is very concerned about disability sports. Therefore, one of the programmes we continue to push is how to encourage the disabled community in Indonesia, which totals almost 23.9 million or 25.9 million, to enjoy sports,” said Minister Erick.
Of that figure, the Minister noted that around 11 percent, or nearly two million people, are recorded as enjoying sports. Consequently, coaches and sports activists for the disabled need to be prepared, including for the regeneration of national athletes for national and international disability sports events.
“If more than two million people require two percent coaches, how many coaches need to be prepared? This is what we must fulfil, not to mention schools that require coaching expertise,” Minister Erick explained.
“This means the President wants to push for this disabled community to be truly looked after. One way is through the coaching certification programme for them, which I have conveyed to the President,” he added.
The Minister also mentioned that President Prabowo plans to visit the National Paralympic Training Centre in Karanganyar, Central Java. The visit aims to inspect the training centre and observe the activities of disabled athletes directly.
“Because this is an important part of ensuring we provide all Indonesian citizens with equal opportunities,” he said.