Jakarta, ThedailyID — Indonesia has called on ASEAN sports ministers to create an international-scale sporting event beyond the SEA Games to strengthen regional collaboration.
Erick Thohir delivered the proposal during the Southeast Asia Ministerial Meeting on Youth and Sports 2026 in Denpasar. He highlighted Southeast Asia’s strong potential, noting the region’s population of around 650 million and its steady economic growth.
According to him, ASEAN can leverage sports tourism and the sports industry as key drivers of future economic development. Therefore, he encouraged member countries to develop joint international events that can attract global participation.
He pointed to major global marathons in cities like London, Boston, New York City, and Tokyo as examples. These events not only draw international athletes but also generate significant economic impact for host cities.
As a result, Erick proposed creating similar events in Southeast Asia, such as cross-country marathons or cycling races involving multiple countries. He said such initiatives could help build a unique regional identity while strengthening cooperation.
At the same time, he emphasized the need to improve the SEA Games system. He said organizers should ensure consistency in the sports being contested so that top athletes, including Olympic medalists from the region, can continue competing.
Currently, some sports do not appear regularly in the SEA Games, which limits opportunities for athletes. Therefore, Erick called for stronger coordination among ASEAN countries and their respective National Olympic Committees.
He added that reforms should focus on long-term development rather than the interests of individual host countries. The goal, he said, is to strengthen Southeast Asia’s overall sports ecosystem.
During the meeting, several countries also expressed openness to hosting future SEA Games editions. Laos, for example, indicated its readiness to host the 2031 edition.
The Southeast Asia Ministerial Meeting on Youth and Sports 2026 serves as a platform for regional leaders to strengthen cooperation in youth development and sports diplomacy. This year’s forum carries the theme “Strengthening SEA Youth Collaboration and Sports Diplomacy for a Resilient Future.”
