RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia is treating its participation in the Asian Beach Games Sanya 2026 not just as a competition, but as a strategic buildup toward a packed year of major international events.

Chairman of the Indonesian Olympic Committee (KOI), Raja Sapta Oktohari, said the April 25-28 event in China will serve as an important testing ground for athletes ahead of larger stages, including the Asian Games later in 2026.

“Mid-year we will have the Youth Olympic Games, followed by the Asian Games, so this becomes part of the preparation process for athletes to perform at their best in much bigger events,” Oktohari told reporters after officially sending off the Indonesian contingent in Jakarta on Monday, April 20, as quoted by Antara.

Indonesia is fielding 22 male and female athletes across three sports: 3x3 basketball (eight athletes), beach volleyball (six athletes), and sport climbing (eight athletes).

The contingent, led by Chef de Mission Krisna Bayu, features top national athletes. Among them is Olympian Made Rita Kusuma Dewi, who will compete in the speed climbing event, one of Indonesia’s strongest disciplines internationally.

“We are optimistic this team can bring back good news from Sanya,” he said.

Participation was limited to three sports based on selection results and budget support from the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

Despite financial constraints, Oktohari expressed hope that athletes will still deliver strong performances and bring pride to the nation.

Indonesia faces a demanding international schedule ahead, including the Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026, Asian Games Nagoya 2026, and Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games Riyadh 2026.

He also thanked national sports federations for continuing to prepare athletes despite budget limitations, emphasizing that Indonesia’s participation is not only about results but also about strengthening sporting ties across Asia. ***