The Minister of Youth and Sports in Indonesia has stated that discussions are underway with Qatar to collaborate on the establishment of sports academies and the enhancement of sports tourism.
“Indonesia needs to learn from Qatar, which has one of the most advanced sports industries,” Minister Erick Thohir says.
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This announcement came after a meeting with the Ambassador of Qatar in Jakarta.
During a meeting held at the ministry's headquarters in Senayan, Jakarta, Thohir and his accompanying team engaged in discussions regarding potential strategic collaborations with Ambassador Sultan bin Mubarak Al-Dosari.
The minister, along with ministry secretary Gunawan Suswantoro and advisors, concentrated on exploring prospects for establishing enduring bilateral cooperation in the fields of sports development and related sectors.
Thohir articulated Indonesia's goal of building a cohesive sports ecosystem in conjunction with sports-focused tourism, with the intent of emulating proven international frameworks to bolster the advancement of athletes and the expansion of the industry.
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He drew attention to the Aspire Zone Foundation as an illustration, emphasizing its holistic approach that encompasses athlete training, sports science, and infrastructure management under a cohesive framework.
He stated that the meeting represented a significant stride towards investigating wider collaboration possibilities, especially within the realms of sports industries and tourism, to guarantee the sustainable development of Indonesia's sports ecosystem.
“I hope this meeting will open wider avenues for cooperation, particularly in developing the national sports ecosystem,” said Thohir, who also heads the Indonesian Football Association.
He emphasized that forming strategic alliances is integral to enhancing Indonesia's sporting infrastructure and bolstering its global competitiveness.
Thohir emphasized the significance of sports diplomacy in enhancing relationships between nations and promoting collaboration in fields related to sports progress and tourism.
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“I am convinced that sports diplomacy will be key to strengthening cross-border collaboration,” he said, adding it could help Indonesia build a more competitive and globally integrated sports ecosystem.