DENPASAR, DEWATA.NEWS – Bali Governor Wayan Koster has proposed holding international-level sports events on the island every month as part of efforts to strengthen tourism and increase hotel occupancy across Bali.
The proposal was delivered during the inauguration ceremony of the Bali National Sports Committee (KONI Bali) management at the Bali Governor’s Office on Friday, May 15, 2026. During the event, Bali Vice Governor I Nyoman Giri Prasta was officially inaugurated as Chairman of KONI Bali.
Koster said Bali should expand beyond its traditional role as a destination for meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions (MICE) by developing sports tourism as a new driver of economic activity.
“We will later design this together with the tourism sector for world-class sporting events,” Koster said.
“Starting next year, we want to arrange them thematically. If possible, there should be one every month,” he added.
According to the governor, international sports competitions could generate direct economic benefits for Bali because athletes, officials, and accompanying groups from various countries would contribute to hotel occupancy and tourism activity.
Koster also argued that organizing sports events is relatively manageable because participating athletes generally prepare independently before arriving for competitions.
“Therefore, we need to hold more sports-related events in Bali,” he said.
Chairman of the Indonesian National Sports Committee (KONI) Marciano Norman expressed support for the proposal and said he would communicate the plan to Indonesia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports as well as the Indonesian Olympic Committee.
Marciano also encouraged regional sports organizations to continue improving the quality and professionalism of sporting event management, including officiating standards and participant safety.
“I ask all regional sports federation leaders to continue improving event quality, including qualified referees and prioritizing security during competitions, especially the safety of athletes participating,” Marciano said.
During the event, Koster also instructed the newly appointed KONI Bali leadership to identify sports disciplines with strong medal potential ahead of future National Sports Week (PON) competitions.
He urged officials to map medal prospects carefully and target a return to the national top five rankings after Bali finished seventh in the previous PON tournament.
“If possible, before competing we should already know which sports can win gold, silver, or bronze medals,” Koster said.
The governor praised previous KONI Bali management for maintaining Bali’s competitive standing but emphasized the need for stronger strategic preparation in upcoming national sporting events.