Observers Call Indonesia Potentially Develop Sport Tourism Such As South Korea And Thailand To Increase Foreign Exchange

Tour de Singkarak bicycle racing, one of the sport tourism activities that is regularly held in Indonesia. (Doc. Kemenparekraf)

JAKARTA - The progress of sports events in Indonesia is considered not to have developed evenly compared to other countries at the Asian level. International Relations Observer of UPN Veterans Jakarta, Asep Kamaluddin Nashir, said that the focus of sports development in Indonesia is only on athlete development.

"Indonesia must learn from South Korea (South Korea), and Thailand as well as other countries that develop foreign exchange potential from the sports sector," said Asep Kamaluddin, Sunday, March 17.

It is known, Indonesia has the potential for tourism in the field of sports performances. Every year there is an international and national sporting event held in Indonesia.

"The purpose of tourism potential here is not only in grand performances such as the 2018 Asian Games, 2011 SEA Games, the 2023 U-17 World Cup, and the 2023 Basketball World Cup, but other sports activities that are carried out regularly per year," he said.

Indonesia itself is known as one of the hosts of the annual prestigious championships, such as: the MotoGP Gran Prix, Indonesia Open, Bali Marathon, Tour de Singkarak, World Surf League, and others.

"Seeing this potential, Indonesia should develop the concept of sport tourism or organizing sports activities combined with tourism promotions," he added.

According to Asep, Indonesia has started its efforts to develop sport tourism several years ago. In 2023, the implementation of MotoGP in Mandalika succeeded in contributing to the economy of IDR 4.5 trillion.

"A fantastic number is certainly for a show that doesn't take long. Likewise with the implementation of the U-17 World Cup which is suspected to have circulated money amounting to Rp1.02 trillion," he said.

However, Asep criticized the development of sport tourism in Indonesia at this time. According to him, currently sport tourism is under the hands of three ministries, making it difficult for the organizing committee to take care of all needs.

"For tourism issues, it will be given to the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (Kemenparekraf), while matters concerning sports are left to the Ministry of Youth and Sports (Kemenpora). Not to mention if dealing with cultural promotion aspects directed to the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology (Kemendikbudristek) or creative products accommodated by the Ministry of Cooperatives, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (Kemenkop-UMKM)," he said.

In order for the potential for sport tourism to be maximized, he continued, a work unit is needed under one ministry. Asep also proposed combining the Ministry of Sports, the Ministry of Tourism, and the Director General of Culture into one ministry called the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism.

"The existence of ministries that cover the three sectors above is nothing new. Several countries have formed ministries such as in South Korea, Vietnam, under the names of the Ministry of Culture, Sport, and Tourism (MCST) and Thailand, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Poland through the Ministry of Tourism and Sport (MTS)," he said.

Asep said that South Korea (South Korea), and Thailand have successfully developed sports tourism in recent years. Not only in the field of sports, but also popular culture such as film.

"From these countries, South Korea and Thailand can be said to be countries that in recent years have been able to increase their tourism through various forms of activity," he said.