RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Airlangga Hartarto has been re‑elected to lead Indonesian wushu for a third consecutive term, serving from 2026 to 2030, after being chosen by acclamation as Chairman of the Indonesian Wushu Federation (WI) during its eighth National Congress in West Jakarta on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.

Speaking to reporters after closing the congress, which was attended by representatives from 32 provincial wushu boards across the country, Airlangga outlined his main priority: preparing a long‑term roadmap toward the 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane, Australia.

“The key is to continue building achievements, both in single and multi‑event competitions, while creating a roadmap toward the 2032 Olympics. That means we must focus on nurturing and training young athletes, especially juniors,” said Airlangga, who also serves as the Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs.

He emphasized that sustaining Indonesia’s wushu success in Asia and globally will require consistent regeneration, particularly as several top athletes have retired. The federation, he added, will continue to provide opportunities for younger talents to compete and excel.

“We always encourage athletes to keep performing. Senior athletes are supported by juniors, so we’re not worried. As athletes age, maintaining peak performance becomes harder, which is why we keep showcasing younger talents,” he explained.

Looking ahead, Airlangga expressed determination to defend Indonesia’s gold medal in the upcoming Asian Games 2026 in Aichi‑Nagoya, Japan, scheduled for September 19 to October 4.

Indonesia’s wushu team delivered a strong showing at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, winning one gold, two silver, and two bronze medals, an improvement over the 2018 edition, when the team earned one gold, one silver, and three bronze medals. That single wushu gold contributed to Indonesia’s overall tally of seven golds, alongside 11 silvers and 18 bronzes.

Reflecting on his leadership, Airlangga praised the discipline and potential of Indonesia’s young athletes. “Our young athletes are remarkable. Their achievements and discipline are outstanding, and the talent pool is now evenly spread,” said the 63‑year‑old.

Under his stewardship, Indonesian wushu has consistently shone on the regional stage. The team captured two gold medals at both the 2018 and 2022 Asian Games, while also dominating the Southeast Asian Games. 

In 2023, Indonesia topped the wushu medal table in Cambodia with six golds, six silvers, and two bronzes - repeating its success as overall champion from 2011. The triumph was followed by another strong performance at the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand, where the team secured five golds, three silvers, and one bronze. ***