Indonesia eyes football events to promote tourism

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Sports events such as football, as a form of sport tourism, could help promote Indonesian tourism, Tourism Ministry Acting Deputy for Event Organizer Development Hafiz Agung Rifai said.

Rifai said football is a universal language that unites people regardless of nationality, culture and belief.

Rifai said Indonesia's population is "more than 270 million, and most of them love football very much" at a press conference for "OGFC Legends Manchester United 2008 vs Persija Legends" on Friday.

Sport tourism is one of the ministry's main programs because sports unite people and stir emotions, and people travel for those emotions, he said.

"They fly across oceans to watch a match, stay for several days, taste the food, and buy our batik," he said, adding that social media sharing provides free promotion.

The ministry appreciated the Road to OGFC Unite 2027 event by Offside Corp, which will bring former Manchester United players Patrice Evra and Park Ji-sung to Senayan, Jakarta, on October 23-25, 2026.

Rifai said, as Gilbert had said, Indonesia is "the number one country for Manchester United fans," and "there is no better place for UGs United to begin this journey than Jakarta."

Offside Corp CEO Gilbert Garlycia said OGFC Unite 2027 is part of efforts to bring international football events that give wider benefits to Indonesia.

Through Road to OGFC, the company aims to build enthusiasm gradually while opening opportunities for collaboration that can benefit Jakarta and Indonesia.

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Translator: Sri, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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