REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Erick Thohir was officially sworn in as Minister of Youth and Sports (Menpora) RI by President Prabowo Subianto on Wednesday (17/9/2025) ). This decision is a strategic step by the government to strengthen the transformation of the national sport, the empowerment of the younger generation, as well as full support for the Indonesian football team.
With Erick's track record as a dedicated aide to leaders of the country, he is sure to be upright and loyal to the President.
“So number one, for sure, I got an assignment from Mr. President Prabowo Subianto. Of course, as a professional and as an aide to the President, I am upright,” Erick said after the inauguration at Istana Negara, Jakarta, Wednesday (17/9/2025).
Erick is not a new figure in the world of sports. He has served as General Chairman of PB Perbasi (2006—2010), Chairman of the Indonesian Olympic Committee (2015—2019), until Chairman of the Executive Director of the Asian Games 2018 which was successfully held in Jakarta—Palembang.
Since 2023, he is also trusted to be the General Chairman of the PSSI until 2027. This long track record demonstrates Erick's capacity to build professional sports governance, strengthen international networks, and deliver proud achievements for Indonesia.
On numerous occasions, Erick stated, national sports preparation must be thorough. Sport, he said, should be a unifier of nations and an ambassador that reflects Indonesia's glory in the eyes of the world.
Those principles became the cornerstone of his leadership, including in his role at Kemenpora. This principle became a cornerstone in every step of the way, making Erick's appointment as Menpora not only appropriate, but visionary by putting the right figure in the right place.
Erick's appointment also reflects a strong signal from President Prabowo that the government is serious about improving the national sports system. Including against the Indonesian football team, which is now preparing for the fourth round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers in the Asian Zone.
With his position as Chairman of the PSSI, Erick is expected to be able to maintain synergies between the federation and the government, without neglecting the principle of independence that international sports organizations uphold.
Moreover, President Prabowo's decision to select young figures such as Erick Thohir shows great concern for the youth sector. With a youth population of approximately 131 million, he is committed to strengthening the capacity of Indonesia's young generation to compete globally, love the Motherland, and make a real contribution to the nation.
With a combination of experience, loyalty, and vision of nationality, Erick Thohir is considered the right figure to lead Kemenpora in the new era of Indonesian youth and sports development. The appointment is not simply a rotation of posts, but part of improving the future of Indonesian sport and youth.
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