Bali to Host Asia’s Top Open Water Swimming Championship

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Elite swimmers from across Asia will compete in Bali on June 13-15, 2026, when Indonesia hosts the 12th Asian Open Water Swimming Championship 2026, bringing continental-level competition to one of the region’s most popular tourist destinations.

The championship will feature elite athletes from 17 countries and is expected to highlight Indonesia’s efforts to expand sport tourism as part of its broader tourism development strategy.

Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana said the championship aligns with Indonesia’s efforts to promote quality tourism through international sporting events.

"This event is also a sport tourism platform that is in line with the Ministry of Tourism’s flagship program in 2026, namely quality tourism," Minister Widiyanti said during a press conference in Jakarta on Thursday, June 4, 2026, as quoted on the ministry's official website.

The championship will feature men's and women's 5-kilometer and 10-kilometer races, as well as a mixed 4x1,500-meter relay. Organizers will also hold the A.Stream OWS Series, allowing amateur swimmers and the public to compete alongside the championship.

The minister said sport tourism contributes significantly to the global travel industry and can help increase tourist arrivals, extend visitor stays, and support local businesses in accommodation, transportation, food services, and small enterprises.

"Sport tourism not only presents sporting competitions but also serves as an effective platform to strengthen the promotion of Indonesian destinations in the global market," she said.

Organizing Committee Chairman Kiki Taher said preparations for the event have reached 95 percent completion despite challenges linked to rising international airfare costs.

"We believe that with the full support of the government, especially the Ministry of Tourism, this small step will grow into something significant for the advancement of Indonesia’s sport tourism," Kiki said.

Indonesia hopes the championship will further strengthen Bali’s position as a leading destination for international sporting events and inspire similar competitions in other tourism hubs such as Lombok, Belitung, and Labuan Bajo. ***