Indonesia Showcases Cultural Heritage at Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026

RRI.CO.ID, Nagoya - Indonesia showcased its cultural heritage during the opening ceremony of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026 at Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium, Nagoya, Japan, Saturday, September 19, 2026. Indonesian cultural elements were featured through the traditional attire worn by the country’s flag bearers during the parade of 46 participating countries at the opening ceremony, which carried the theme “One Asia.”

Basketball athlete Dewa Ayu Made Sriartha Kusuma Dewi and karate athlete Daniel Hutapea carried the Indonesian flag at the front of the Indonesian contingent. Dewa Ayu appeared in traditional Balinese-inspired attire featuring a predominantly white outfit with gold accents, while Daniel wore traditional Batak-inspired attire with an ulos cloth draped over his shoulder.

Indonesian Ambassador to Japan and the Federated States of Micronesia, Nurmala Kartini Sjahrir, said the appearance of the Indonesian contingent with cultural elements reflected the diversity and friendship among Asian countries.

“It is a source of pride to see the Indonesian contingent taking part in the parade alongside the 46 participating countries at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026. This is a moment of friendship among Asian countries,” she said.

She said the distinctive attire worn by each national contingent created an atmosphere of diversity and friendship during the opening ceremony. Kartini, who attended the ceremony accompanied by Coordinator of the Information, Social, and Cultural Affairs Function at the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo Muhammad Al Aula, also highlighted the role of Indonesian athletes and officials as representatives of the country.

“The Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo is making every effort to provide maximum support for our athletes and officials throughout the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026. This is important because the members of the Indonesian contingent are national ambassadors who carry Indonesia’s name on the international sporting stage,” she said.

The opening ceremony began with performances by hundreds of dancers accompanied by blue and pink lighting. The raising of the Japanese flag marked the start of the parade of the 46 participating countries, with the Indonesian contingent entering the arena after India.

The Indonesian contingent consists of 430 athletes and 145 officials competing across 35 sports. The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026 are being held in Japan from September 19 to October 4, 2026.