Makassar to Host 2027 Sepak Takraw World Championship

JAKARTA - Indonesia officially became the host of the ISTAF World Sepaktakraw Championship 2027. The world event will be held in Makassar, South Sulawesi, on May 20-30, 2027.

This certainty was marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement or MoA between the Indonesian Sepak Takraw Association (PB PSTI) and the International Sepaktakraw Federation (ISTAF) in Jakarta, Thursday, June 11, 2026.

The MoA was signed by ISTAF Secretary General Datuk Abdul Halim Bin Kader and PB PSTI Chairman Surianto. The signing was witnessed by PB PSTI Secretary General Nukhrawi Nawir.

For Indonesia, this appointment is not just a matter of being a host. Sepak takraw has a long history in the archipelago, especially in South Sulawesi through the traditional game of sepak raga which is known in the Bugis-Makassar culture.

"Sepak takraw originated from the traditional game of sepak raga which has been played by the Bugis-Makassar people since the kingdom. This game then developed into a modern sport which is now contested at the international level," said Surianto in a written statement received Friday, June 12.

Surianto said that ISTAF's trust was an opportunity to strengthen Indonesia's position on the world sepak takraw map. He also said that the championship preparations had received support from the Indonesian Olympic Committee (KOI) and the Indonesian National Sports Committee (KONI).

"This support is an important capital to succeed in one of the most prestigious agendas in the international sepak takraw calendar," he said.

Datuk Abdul Halim assessed that Indonesia has a strong sepak takraw tradition, a solid organization, and experience in holding world championships. He is optimistic that Indonesia can be a good host.

The 2027 Sepak Takraw World Championship will be attended by ISTAF member countries from various regions. After the MoA was signed, the PB PSTI stated that it would begin preparing all stages of the event in Makassar.

Apart from tournaments, ISTAF and PB PSTI also prepare human resource development programs. One of them is the training and certification of international standard sepak takraw referees.

The program was discussed during the ISTAF and PB PSTI visit to the Faculty of Physical and Health Sciences, State University of Jakarta on Tuesday, June 9, 2026.

"We have to make this event a success, we support it," said Datuk Abdul Halim, who is also the President of the Asian Sepaktakraw Federation.

This world championship is a great opportunity for Indonesia. Makassar will not only be a venue for the competition, but also a showcase of the history of sepak takraw which was born from a people's game and now is returning to one of its cultural roots.