DENPASAR, DEWATA.NEWS – Indonesia officially opened the Southeast Asia (SEA) Ministerial Meeting on Youth and Sports 2026 in Bali, bringing together regional leaders to strengthen cooperation in youth development and sports diplomacy.
The event, held at The Meru Hotel from May 3 to May 5, was inaugurated on Monday (May 4) by Indonesia’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Erick Thohir. The forum gathers ministers and key stakeholders from across Southeast Asia to discuss shared priorities and future collaboration.
Following the opening, Erick is scheduled to speak at a ministerial forum, highlighting the role of sports diplomacy in maintaining regional harmony. “Sports diplomacy can serve as a foundation to strengthen relationships and unity among nations,” he said.
The meeting carries the theme “Strengthening SEA Youth Collaboration and Sports Diplomacy for a Resilient Future”, emphasizing the importance of cross-border cooperation and youth engagement in addressing future challenges.
Discussions during the forum focus on several key areas, including youth resilience, athlete development pathways, and strengthening partnerships at both regional and global levels.
On the first day, Indonesia led discussions on strategic priorities, represented by senior officials from the Ministry of Youth and Sports, including Secretary Gunawan Suswantoro, Acting Deputy for Sports Industry Development Suyadi Pawiro, and Special Advisor Togi Pangaribuan.
Gunawan encouraged participants to actively contribute ideas throughout the meeting. “Let us work together to ensure this meeting is productive, meaningful, and impactful for the future of youth and sports in our region,” he stated.
The event highlights Bali’s role as a host for international forums, reinforcing its position not only as a tourism destination but also as a hub for regional dialogue and cooperation.