Jakarta wants visitors to experience more than its skyline, shopping districts, and business centers. The city is now positioning sports as a new driver of tourism, with the Jakarta Provincial Government launching the Jakarta Sport Tourism initiative to strengthen the creative economy while expanding urban tourism through national and international sporting events.
The program goes beyond hosting competitions. It combines sports with tourism, arts and culture, culinary experiences, and urban services, allowing every event to create wider economic opportunities across the city.
“Jakarta Sport Tourism is an initiative by the Jakarta Provincial Government to develop sports in an integrated way with the tourism, creative economy, cultural, and urban service sectors,” said Jakarta Youth and Sports Agency (Dispora) Head Andri Yansyah on Friday (July 3, 2026).
The city expects the arrival of athletes, officials, supporters, and visitors from across Indonesia and overseas to generate significant economic activity. Hotels, transportation providers, restaurants, and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) are all expected to benefit from higher demand during sporting events.
Jakarta already possesses many of the key assets needed to support this vision. Home to around 11 million people, the capital features internationally recognized sports venues such as Jakarta International Stadium (JIS) and Gelora Bung Karno (GBK). Both are supported by an increasingly integrated public transportation network, making it easier for visitors to travel throughout the city.
The capital’s track record of hosting major international sporting events also gives it a competitive advantage as it seeks to establish itself as a leading sport tourism destination.
“These strengths provide a strategic foundation for reinforcing Jakarta’s position as a sport tourism destination,” Andri said.
Through Jakarta Sport Tourism, the city hopes to offer a more complete travel experience. Visitors will be encouraged not only to attend sporting events but also to discover Jakarta’s public spaces, cultural attractions, local cuisine, and other unique urban experiences.
The initiative is also part of Jakarta’s broader preparations as the city approaches its 500th anniversary in 2027.
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“But also as an international-class sport tourism destination,” Andri added.
To ensure the economic benefits continue throughout the year, the Jakarta Provincial Government plans to introduce an annual sport tourism calendar. The program will feature a variety of events, including student championships, community sports activities, and international competitions.
The government also plans to maximize several of Jakarta’s most popular destinations as sport tourism venues. Kota Tua, the Thousand Islands, and Ancol are expected to host various events, allowing sports, tourism, and the creative economy to grow together while reinforcing one another.
