JAKARTA — Diana Kusumastuti, Chairwoman of the Central Executive Board of the Indonesian Gateball Association (PB PERGATSI), held a meeting with Indonesia's Minister of Youth and Sports, Erick Thohir, on Thursday (March 12, 2026), at the Ministry of Youth and Sports Office in Jakarta. The meeting focused on the development of gateball in Indonesia and strategies to support the sport's inclusion in the Road to the 2027 SEA Games in Malaysia.
During the meeting, Minister Erick Thohir outlined several strategic steps that need to be undertaken to accelerate the development of gateball in the region.
First, PB PERGATSI is encouraged to strengthen communication with the Indonesian Olympic Committee (KOI) so that the committee can help promote gateball among countries that are members of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), particularly those participating in the Southeast Asian Games.
Second, PB PERGATSI is expected to intensify coordination and communication with the National Gateball Federations in Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, and Timor-Leste.
Third, PB PERGATSI should establish closer cooperation with the Singapore National Olympic Council, considering that Singapore is scheduled to host the 2029 SEA Games.
In addition, Minister Erick expressed his support for PB PERGATSI's efforts to accelerate the establishment of National Gateball Federations in Malaysia, Timor-Leste, and Brunei Darussalam. However, he emphasized the importance of maintaining communication with international sports organizations to ensure that gateball can be included in future international sporting events.
"I encourage all sports, including gateball, to continue promoting physical activity in order to improve public health and fitness," said Erick Thohir.
As part of the visit, Minister Erick Thohir also had the opportunity to try playing gateball, demonstrating his support and interest in the sport's development in Indonesia.
