Multi-Year Training Budget is Crucial for Developing Surfers: Association

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian government’s continued support for long-term national training camps opens greater opportunities for surfers to reach the Olympic podium. The policy was confirmed after Youth and Sports Minister Erick Thohir received direct instructions from President Prabowo Subianto.

The commitment to provide a multi-year budget for the national training camp was welcomed by the Indonesian Surfing Association (PSOI). “This is excellent and crucial for the athletes, as development can be carried out continuously until they achieve success,” PSOI Chairman Pandu Sjahrir said in Jakarta on Sunday, June 21, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

Pandu explained that surfing requires a long-term development process for athletes to reach their full potential. He described the government’s budget support as a strategic investment in nurturing high-performing athletes for the future.

PSOI has previously led Indonesian athletes to compete in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the 2024 Paris Olympics. “Our goal is, obviously, to be the best and win medals,” Pandu said.

He emphasized that the success of the development program does not depend solely on funding. Adequate training facilities and opportunities to participate in competitions are also crucial to enhancing athletes’ abilities.

With the government’s commitment to a multi-year budget, PSOI is optimistic that the program can proceed in a more measured and sustainable manner. Current preparations focus on the 2026 Asian Games and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, aimed at strengthening the competitiveness of Indonesian surfers on the international stage. ***