RRI.CO.ID, Bali - The unique blend of world-class facilities and scenic attractions in Bali is currently being showcased as the gold standard for Indonesia's sport tourism expansion to attract international football clubs and sports enthusiasts.

Backed by a population deeply passionate about athletics and the country's diverse natural landscapes, the government is utilizing Bali’s advanced infrastructure to prove that Indonesia is more than just a holiday destination.

This initiative ensures that elite teams can undergo rigorous training programs while experiencing the natural beauty that makes the island a globally recognized hub for both sport and leisure.

The Bali United Training Center in Gianyar has become an ideal centralized training location for professional football teams due to its extensive facilities. Situated alongside a beautiful beach, the center provides an inspiring atmosphere that ensures training sessions are far from monotonous.

Two South Korean giants, K-League 1 side Pohang Steelers and Jeonbuk Reserves, recently completed their training camps at the facility from January 13 to February 2. Pohang Steelers head coach Park Tae-ha expressed high satisfaction with the 31-hectare site, which features nine international-standard pitches.

Coach Park noted that Indonesia was chosen only after a rigorous selection process against other regional competitors.

“Before training here, we conducted several inspections in several countries, including Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia," Park Tae-ha said in a statement released on Friday, February 13, 2026, as quoted on the Indonesian Ministry of Youth and Sports official website.

"After seeing and comparing, we decided to train in Indonesia and there is a chance in the following years we will prioritize the Bali United Training Center as a destination for our training center,” he added.

Complementing these training grounds is the world-class medical support available at Bali International Hospital (BIH) in Sanur. The advanced medical care at BIH ensures that athletes who sustain injuries while training or competing on the island receive optimal treatment.

The Ministry of Youth and Sports is actively promoting sport tourism as a primary driver of the national economy. Minister Erick Thohir is determined to strengthen this sector by mapping the potential of specific sports that can become major attractions in various regions. He highlighted that Indonesia's natural landscape and fan enthusiasm create a perfect environment for international events.

“If we talk about sport tourism, Indonesia has extraordinary strength; all this time we have been known for our natural wealth as a tourist object, whereas these natural conditions can also be used as a sports arena,” Minister Erick remarked.

He concluded by emphasizing the critical combination of facilities and the local passion for sports.

“Beyond the supporting facilities we already have - such as training centers, quality stadiums and football fields, and hospitals for athlete care - there is another factor that makes Indonesia well-positioned to unite sports and tourism: the deep passion of the Indonesian people for sports. Hosting a match here almost guarantees a stadium filled with spectators,” he concluded. ***