Kemenpora and Kemdiktisaintek Strengthen Campus-Based Sports Ecosystem

Minister of Youth and Sports Erick Thohir (right) and Minister of Education and Technology Brian Yuliarto (left) at a press conference in Jakarta on Friday, April 17, 2026. (Cosmas Kopong Beda/VOI)

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Youth and Sports (Kemenpora) together with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemdiktisaintek) have established a strategic partnership to strengthen the national sports ecosystem based on universities.

Minister of Youth and Sports (Menpora) Erick Thohir said that this cross-ministerial synergy is a concrete step in efforts to develop athletes, research sports science, and optimize sports facilities.

"I am very happy as a sports mentor when many ministries can support and transform together with us," said Erick in a press conference held in Jakarta, Friday, April 18.

The idea of this collaboration initially came from the Minister of Education and Technology Brian Yuliarto who was inspired by the sports system in developed countries such as the United States and Japan which integrates education with athlete training through campuses.

Erick said that on one occasion Brian approached him and talked about America with his NCAA concept and also Japan where sports education involves schools.

"I immediately welcomed and both teams immediately worked hard and finally today we got cooperation that can really provide a comprehensive solution to our athletes," he said.

Through this cooperation, the government not only opens access to scholarships such as the Education Fund Management Agency (LPDP), but also expands educational support in the country and strengthens the use of sports facilities that have a legal umbrella through synergy between ministries.

Brian said that this cooperation is expected to be able to revive the culture of sports in the campus environment as well as make universities as the center of the birth of Indonesia's superior talent.

"We want the passion or enthusiasm for sports to also live on campuses because of course we hope that campuses are the birthplace of Indonesian talents, Indonesia's superior talents, future leaders," he said.

In addition, the campus is also encouraged to play an active role in research and development in the field of sport science and sports management, in line with the rapid development of technology in the modern sports world.

Brian emphasized that the involvement of academics in supporting national sports achievements is very important. He believes that the progress of national sports is inseparable from the progress of science and technology.

"We will also encourage lecturers, researchers, professors to be able to develop research and research in relation to sport science," he said.

With this cooperation, universities also have the opportunity to manage sports facilities, including post-National Sports Week (PON) venues so that they are maintained and optimally utilized by academic staff and the community.

Erick added that another important point of this collaboration is that the National Student Sports Week (POMNAS) can be strengthened, especially the improvement of the standards of implementation and student participation.

"POMNAS can be raised to be a form of event that is truly awaited and loved by all students in Indonesia," he said.

In addition, this cooperation also includes plans to increase the competence of sport science graduates through internship programs and federation standardization so that experts in the field of sports can be absorbed to the maximum and contribute directly to improving Indonesian sports achievements.