Jakarta (ANTARA) – President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) expressed immense joy and pride as he welcomed the establishment of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) representative office in Indonesia. This milestone marks a significant chapter in the evolution of Indonesian basketball.

“The inauguration of this office is a tangible manifestation of FIBA’s unwavering support for our initiatives aimed at accelerating the growth and performance of basketball in Indonesia,” President Jokowi stated during the ceremony held at Danareksa Tower, Jakarta, on Tuesday.

He extended his heartfelt gratitude to FIBA for entrusting Indonesia with the prestigious role of co-hosting the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 in Jakarta. This trust underscores Indonesia’s growing reputation in the global sports arena.

President Jokowi emphasized Indonesia’s steadfast commitment to fostering future sports stars through continuous mentoring, rigorous training programs, and organizing an increasing number of sporting events. He highlighted that these efforts are part of a broader strategy to cultivate a robust sports culture in the nation.

The President also underscored Indonesia’s ongoing investments in world-class sports infrastructure and its active collaboration with international sports federations, including FIBA. He believes these measures are crucial for nurturing exceptional athletes who can excel in international competitions and bring pride to the nation.

On May 2, Youth and Sports Minister Dito Ariotedjo remarked that the opening of the FIBA office signifies a high level of international confidence in Indonesia, particularly within the basketball community. After discussions with FIBA executive committee member Ingo Weiss in Jakarta, Minister Ariotedjo revealed that FIBA is committed to aiding the Indonesian Basketball Association (Perbasi) in enhancing the quality of basketball in Indonesia.

“FIBA will deploy a specialized team dedicated to supporting Perbasi’s efforts to improve various aspects of basketball, including the development of coaches, referees, and early-age talent programs,” he explained.

This collaboration is expected to elevate the standard of basketball in Indonesia, ensuring that local talent receives world-class training and exposure. The FIBA office’s presence in Jakarta not only boosts the sport’s profile but also aligns with broader national goals of producing athletes who can compete and succeed on the global stage.

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