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Top 10 Most Popular Sports in Indonesia

What makes sports such an integral part of Indonesian culture? With over 270 million people, Indonesia boasts a rich sporting landscape that captures the passion and enthusiasm of its citizens. Badminton reigns supreme, with the national team consistently excelling at the Olympics and BWF tournaments, while football draws millions of fans who fervently support local clubs and the national team. Indonesia has also made headlines in e-sports in recent years, winning multiple gold medals in the Southeast Asian Games. The country’s diverse sporting achievements, ranging from martial arts to swimming, highlight Indonesian athletes’ unwavering spirit and dedication. Here is the list of the top 10 most popular sports in Indonesia.

List of 10 Most Popular Sports in Indonesia

  1. Badminton 
  2. Football
  3. Basketball
  4. Volleyball
  5. Futsal
  6. E-Sports
  7. Martial Arts
  8. Tennis
  9. Table Tennis
  10. Swimming

1) Badminton

The most popular sport in Indonesia is badminton, which has a long history of success internationally. Indonesia has produced some of the world’s top badminton players, and its supremacy in the sport is demonstrated by its results in international tournaments. Indonesia has won multiple gold medals at the Olympics, including mixed doubles, women’s doubles, and men’s singles and doubles. The gold medals that Alan Budikusuma and Susi Susanti earned in the singles divisions at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona were remarkable.

At the esteemed BWF World Championship and All-England Championship, Indonesia also excels. Legendary players like Taufik Hidayat, who won gold at the 2004 Athens Olympics, and Liliyana Natsir, a mixed doubles icon, have solidified Indonesia’s position in the global badminton arena. More recently, Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo and Marcus Fernaldi Gideon, known as the “Minions,” have dominated men’s doubles rankings.

The nation also hosts the annual Indonesia Open, a major event on the BWF World Tour, which draws top players worldwide. The enthusiastic fan base and government support ensure that badminton remains a key part of Indonesia’s sports culture. 

2) Football

Another hugely popular sport in Indonesia is football, which has millions of passionate supporters all around the nation. Football is still the lifeblood of Indonesian sports culture, despite the national team’s lack of notable international success to date. Though they haven’t yet won the championship, the Indonesian national football team, known as Garuda, has advanced significantly in regional competitions like the AFF Championship, making it to the final five times. Their greatest accomplishment was in 1956 when Indonesia qualified for the Olympics as the first Asian squad.

Liga 1, the domestic league in Indonesia, has become more well-known, attracting spectators and developing regional talent. Stadiums are filled for important matches when teams like Arema FC and Persija Jakarta play. The fervor surrounding local derbies, such as the Jakarta-Bandung rivalry, reflects the nation’s deep love for the sport. 

Famous Indonesian footballers like Bambang Pamungkas and Evan Dimas have become national icons, inspiring the next generation of players. Despite challenges in international competitions, Indonesian football continues to develop through youth academies and increased investment, keeping hopes alive for future success at the Asian and global levels.

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3) Basketball

In Indonesia, basketball is becoming more and more popular, especially with young people. The popularity of the sport has increased in metropolitan areas, as more and more fans participate in local leagues, clubs, and educational institutions. The top professional league in the nation, the Indonesian Basketball League (IBL), attracts players from abroad and showcases local talent. Several championships won by well-known teams like Satria Muda Pertamina and Pelita Jaya have solidified the sport’s popularity and drawn sizable audiences.

At the national level, Indonesia has also experienced advancements. The men’s national basketball team competed in the Southeast Asian Games and the FIBA Asia Cup, where they took home multiple medals, including a silver one in 2017. In regional competitions, the women’s basketball team of the nation has also demonstrated promise. 

Players like Mario Wuysang, one of Indonesia’s top point guards, and Arki Wisnu, a key player for the national team, have become basketball icons. Indonesia is set to co-host the FIBA Basketball World Cup in 2023 alongside Japan and the Philippines, a significant milestone for the sport’s development in the country. With increasing investment in infrastructure and grassroots programs, basketball is poised to continue its rise as one of Indonesia’s most popular sports.

4) Volleyball

One of the most cherished sports in Indonesia is volleyball, which is especially well-liked by young people and in communities and schools. The team-based format and ease of use of the sport have made it popular across the nation, in both urban and rural locations. At regional volleyball tournaments, Indonesia has made significant strides, particularly at the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, where the country’s men’s and women’s teams have routinely played well.

The men’s national volleyball team has won multiple medals at the Southeast Asian Games, with silver coming from the 2019 competition. The women’s team continues to show promise, consistently placing on the podium in regional competitions, despite difficult competition from regional heavyweights like Thailand and Vietnam. Domestically, the Proliga, Indonesia’s premier volleyball league, draws in fans and features top local talent, along with international players, contributing to the sport’s growth.

Famous players like Rivan Nurmulki, who has been a standout player in the national team, have become household names. Volleyball is also a popular beach sport in Indonesia, with its many coastal areas providing the perfect setting for beach volleyball tournaments. With its growing popularity and regional success, volleyball remains a major part of Indonesia’s sports landscape.

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5) Futsal

In Indonesia, futsal is a fast-paced indoor football game played on a smaller field that has grown in popularity, especially among younger players. It is a favorite in communities and schools across the nation because of its accessibility and emphasis on technical skills. The national futsal squad of Indonesia has made great strides in the last few years, especially in the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Futsal Championship, where they often make it to the championship round. The group’s greatest showing occurred in 2010 when they placed second.

The Pro Futsal League (PFL), Indonesia’s domestic futsal league, has expanded quickly, drawing skilled local players and creating a competitive atmosphere. With fierce rivalries that pique fans’ interest, teams like Vamos Mataram and Bintang Timur Surabaya have emerged as strong forces in the competition. Additionally, the PFL helps Indonesia improve its futsal performance both domestically and internationally by acting as a talent pipeline for the national team.

Famous athletes like Bambang Bayu Saptaji have achieved stardom and encouraged the next generation of players to pursue the sport. The emergence of futsal in Indonesia is indicative of the nation’s love for football in all its manifestations, and strong grassroots development is predicted to fuel the sport’s further growth in popularity.

6) E-Sports

In Indonesia, e-sports have grown rapidly and are now among the most well-liked pastimes for youth. Thanks to improvements in the availability of smartphones and game consoles, as well as improvements in the internet infrastructure, Indonesia has become a regional leader in competitive gaming. E-sports in the region are dominated by well-known titles like Dota 2, PUBG Mobile, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, and Free Fire, which draw millions of spectators and players.

Indonesia’s e-sports sector has become well-known worldwide, especially in Southeast Asia. EVOS Esports and RRQ (Rex Regum Qeon), two Indonesian teams, have won titles at major competitions. In 2019, EVOS won the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang World Championship (M1). In 2021, Indonesia made history by winning gold at the Southeast Asian Games in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and PUBG Mobile, further solidifying its place in the global e-sports community.

The growing popularity of e-sports in Indonesia has led to increased investment from sponsors, the establishment of gaming academies, and the professionalization of players. With government support and a thriving fan base, e-sports has evolved from a hobby into a legitimate sport, offering lucrative careers and placing Indonesia on the world e-sports map.

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7) Martial Arts

Indonesian culture places a high value on martial arts, with Pencak Silat being the most well-known traditional martial art. Deeply ingrained in Indonesian culture, Pencak Silat is distinguished by its unique combination of spirituality, artistic movements, and self-defense methods. It’s a generation-to-generation cultural expression as well as a sport. When Indonesia dominated the Pencak Silat competition at the 2018 Asian Games and won 14 gold medals, showcasing the nation’s proficiency in this discipline, the sport garnered international notice.

Other martial arts, such as judo, taekwondo, and karate, have become more well-known in Indonesia in addition to Pencak Silat, with competitors doing well in a variety of international competitions. Indonesia frequently sends martial artists to compete in international championships, the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, and the Asian Games, and they frequently come back with medals.

Pencak Silat and other kinds of martial arts have been made more widely known by well-known Indonesian practitioners like Iko Uwais, who became well-known throughout the world for his parts in action movies like The Raid. Training facilities and martial arts schools throughout the nation support a vibrant athlete community, guaranteeing that martial arts remain a vital component of Indonesia’s sports scene.

8) Tennis

In Indonesia, tennis has a devoted following, especially in the cities where courts and clubs are conveniently located. While tennis is not as popular as football or badminton, it nevertheless has a loyal fan base, numerous national competitions, and increasing youth participation. Several well-known tennis players who have made an impact on the world scene are from Indonesia.

Yayuk Basuki, who achieved a career-high singles ranking of No. 19 in the world during the 1990s, is the most accomplished tennis player in the nation. She competed for Indonesia in numerous Olympic Games and won multiple WTA titles. Another important participant is Christopher Rungkat, who has made substantial achievements in the doubles category, winning a gold medal in mixed doubles at the 2018 Asian Games.

In international team tennis tournaments, Indonesia has represented the nation in the Fed Cup and Davis Cup. Even though the country hasn’t had much success in international tennis contests, its athletes continue to show promise by consistently winning gold in regional events like the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.

Tennis is predicted to become more well-known in Indonesia’s athletic landscape as tennis academies actively seek to nurture fresh talent and as interest and support grow.

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9) Table Tennis

Ping pong, often known as table tennis, is a well-liked sport in Indonesia, where players of all ages participate. Due to its accessibility and low equipment and space requirements, the activity has become popular in small communities, schools, and recreation facilities. Despite not enjoying the same degree of international success as sports like badminton, Indonesia has made significant strides in table tennis, especially in regional competitions.

At the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, Indonesia is well-represented and has a history of taking home medals in table tennis. International recognition has been gained by Indonesian athletes such as David Jacobs, who represented his country at the Paralympics and won many gold medals in the Asian Para Games in para-table tennis.

The Indonesian Table Tennis Association (PTMSI) actively promotes the sport through grassroots programs, tournaments, and training centers aimed at developing young talent. Domestically, various championships are held throughout the year, fostering competitive play and elevating the skill level of the nation’s athletes.

As the sport continues to grow, table tennis is gaining attention as both a recreational activity and a competitive sport. With an increasing number of young players emerging, Indonesia hopes to build a stronger presence on the global table tennis stage in the years to come.

10) Swimming

In Indonesia, swimming is a highly favored sport for both leisure and competition. Indonesia’s culture naturally revolves around swimming because of its large archipelago and seaside landscape. The activity is extensively practiced in schools, community pools, and coastal areas, with many young Indonesians learning to swim at an early age.

At the regional level, Indonesia is well-represented in competitive swimming, especially at the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, where the country routinely takes home medals. I Gede Siman Sudartawa and Glenn Victor Sutanto are two swimmers who have competed internationally for Indonesia, winning gold in the Asian and SEA Games, respectively. One of Indonesia’s best swimmers, Sudartawa is a backstroke specialist who has won multiple gold medals in regional competitions.

The number of swimming clubs and academies in the nation is rising, which boosts Indonesia’s competitiveness in the sport and helps develop fresh talent. Its appeal has also been aided by expenditures made in swimming facilities by the public and commercial sectors.

Because Indonesia has so many coastal places, open-water swimming has become more popular than swimming in pools. Swimming is expected to continue being one of the most well-liked and extensively participated sports in the nation due to its lengthy history in the water and increasing competitive emphasis.

Conclusion

The most popular sports in Indonesia are more than just games, they are a unifying force that fosters community and national pride. The passion for sports, whether it’s badminton, football, or martial arts, stems from cultural heritage and a deep-seated desire for excellence. The country’s rich sporting traditions and successes in international competitions fuel enthusiasm among fans and aspiring athletes alike. As grassroots initiatives and government support grow, the future of sports in Indonesia looks promising, with an increasing focus on youth development and infrastructure. This momentum will likely lead to greater achievements on the global stage, reinforcing Indonesia’s position in the world of sports.

FAQs

What Is the National Game of Indonesia?

Indonesia’s national game is badminton. The sport has brought the country global recognition, with Indonesian athletes consistently winning Olympic and World Championship titles.

What Is the Traditional Sport of Indonesia?

The traditional sport of Indonesia is Pencak Silat, a martial art combining self-defense, artistic movements, and spirituality. It is a vital part of Indonesian cultural heritage and is widely practiced across the country.

Which Sport Is Most Popular in the World?

Football is the most popular sport globally, with over 4 billion fans. Its international appeal spans continents, and events like the FIFA World Cup draw massive viewership worldwide.

Oleksandra Mamchii

Working as a academic lead at Best Diplomats.

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