RRI.CO.ID, New York - The Ministry of Youth and Sports strengthened international cooperation to develop Indonesia's sports ecosystem thru the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Preston Robert Tisch Institute for Global Sport, New York University (NYU), United States. The agreement was signed by the Minister of Youth and Sports, Erick Thohir along with the Dean of NYU School of Professional Studies Angie Kamath.

This collaboration includes the development of sports diplomacy, sports management education, youth development, as well as research and innovation in the field of global sports.

Thru this collaboration, the Ministry of Youth and Sports also opens opportunities for Indonesia's outstanding athletes to pursue education at the Preston Robert Tisch Institute for Global Sport, NYU. Additionally, this collaboration is expected to strengthen human resource development and enhance professional capacity in the national sports sector.

Minister Erick said that strengthening the sports ecosystem is one of the government's priorities to improve achievements while also making sports a sector that contributes to national economic growth. "When President Prabowo appointed me as the Minister of Youth and Sports, one of my main priorities was to create an environment that allows Indonesia's sports ecosystem to thrive," Erick said, quoted by RRI VOI from a press release, Wednesday, July 22, 2026.

According to him, sports development is no longer solely focused on achieving athletic performance, but should also be seen as an industry capable of creating jobs, attracting investments, and driving economic growth.

He affirmed that the Ministry of Youth and Sports continues to encourage the creation of a sports ecosystem that is open to investment, including the development of the sports industry and sports tourism. According to him, sports should be viewed as a productive sector capable of becoming an engine of economic growth.

"Indonesia has an increasing need for professionals in the field of business and sports management. I believe New York University can play an important role in preparing a new generation of Indonesian sports leaders," he conveyed.

Thru this collaboration, the Ministry of Youth and Sports hopes that knowledge transfer, human resource development, and research and innovation collaboration can accelerate the transformation of Indonesian sports into a modern, competitive, and globally competitive industry.