Building Sport Tourism through National IP: Indonesia’s Aquatic Sports as a Global Draw

Indonesia is blessed not only with extraordinary natural beauty but also with the unrelenting creativity and spirit of its people. At the Indonesian Aquatics Federation, we believe that aquatic sports-especially open water swimming-should not be seen merely as a field of competition, but as a gateway to tourism-based economic growth.

Recently, we extended an invitation to the Minister of Tourism to attend the inauguration of our new board. This was not a symbolic gesture. It is part of a long-term strategy to integrate aquatic sports into Indonesia’s broader sport tourism ecosystem. We see the synergy between sports and tourism not as a passive opportunity, but as a dynamic agenda that must be actively developed.

Sport Tourism: More Than Events-It’s an Ecosystem

Sport tourism is not simply about hosting competitions. It’s about building an ecosystem that benefits local economies. Every well-managed sporting event activates surrounding sectors-MSMEs, hotels, transportation, food and beverage, local artisans, and even volunteerism. The ripple effect can extend far beyond the venue, becoming a true economic multiplier.

That is why we are committed to developing major aquatic events based on nationally owned Intellectual Property (IP). We must move beyond importing formats and instead craft experiences that reflect Indonesia’s unique character. One such initiative is the development of open water swimming events—designed by Indonesians, inspired by our waters, and set against some of the world’s most stunning natural backdrops.

Open Water Swimming: Natural, Competitive, and Marketable

With more than 54,000 kilometers of coastline and countless lakes, rivers, and bays, Indonesia is a natural stage for open water swimming. Imagine a race across Lake Toba, a swim around Tomini Bay, or a challenge through the Komodo straits-combining world-class athleticism with breathtaking scenery.

When designed and managed properly, open water swimming events have the potential to become traffic pullers-drawing tourists to new destinations, encouraging longer stays, and supporting local livelihoods in areas that remain untapped by mainstream tourism.

Performance and Tourism Can Grow Together

Of course, our ultimate mission is to elevate Indonesia’s aquatic athletes to compete at the highest international levels. But elite performance and tourism development are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they can fuel one another. Great events attract sponsors, strengthen training systems, and build a sustainable sports ecosystem.

Indonesia has both comparative and competitive advantages. What we need now is the courage to create, brand, and promote major aquatic events built on our own intellectual property. With the support of all stakeholders-particularly the Ministry of Tourism-we are confident that aquatic sports can become a powerful economic driver and a source of national pride.

It’s time to move beyond the narrative and into action. Let us turn our waters into a movement. Let us make Indonesia known not only for its beaches-but for its world-class aquatic sport tourism.