RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia is set to showcase its sport tourism potential as Bali prepares to host the 2026 Underwater Photo and Video World Championship. The event, scheduled for October 5–11 in Pemuteran, is expected to boost tourism while strengthening Indonesia’s reputation in international underwater sports.

Chairman of the Indonesian National Sports Committee (KONI), Marciano Norman, expressed strong support for the championship, urging collaboration between the Indonesian Underwater Federation (POSSI) and the Ministry of Tourism.

“This championship is closely tied to tourism. I encourage POSSI to work with the Ministry of Tourism to maximize its impact,” he said during a meeting with POSSI officials in Jakarta on Monday, February 23, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

Marciano praised POSSI for successfully convincing the international diving community to select Indonesia as host, noting that the event will not only serve as a sporting competition but also deliver economic benefits to local communities.

POSSI Chairman Makhruzi Rahman confirmed preparations are underway, beginning with the federation’s National Working Meeting attended by 28 of 34 provincial boards.

In addition to the world championship, POSSI will also organize the Asian Cup Underwater Hockey in Bogor, West Java, this August, with an estimated 500 participants from 12 countries.

The arrival of both Asian and world-level championships aligns with the vision of Youth and Sports Minister Erick Thohir, who continues to promote sport tourism as a driver of Indonesia’s economy.

Erick emphasized that Indonesia’s natural wealth should be leveraged not only as tourist attractions but also as arenas for sports. “Our natural environment can serve as both a destination and a venue for sporting events,” he said. ***