Jakarta is set to make history this October as it becomes the first-ever Southeast Asian city to host the prestigious Artistic Gymnastics World Championships. The event, scheduled for October 19-25, will bring the world's best gymnasts to Indonesia Arena at the Gelora Bung Karno Sports Complex, promising an electrifying week of world-class performances.

With just months to go, preparations are in full swing. A high-level delegation from the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) recently inspected the venue, scrutinizing every detail—from lighting and air conditioning to overall readiness. Their verdict? Indonesia is not just on track but primed for success.

“You are already thinking through everything, and you have answered all of our [FIG’s] questions. It means you are ready,” said Donatella Sacchi, head of the FIG’s Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Technical Committee.

A Grand-Scale Competition with Global Stars
Over 600 elite gymnasts from 70 countries will compete in the event, which serves as a critical qualifier for future global championships. With Indonesia Arena boasting a seating capacity of over 16,000, the tournament is set to be a spectacle unlike anything Jakarta has hosted before. The nearby Jakarta International Convention Center (JICC) will serve as the official training ground, ensuring that athletes have top-tier facilities to prepare for their performances.

However, the competition's success will depend on more than just logistics. FIG officials emphasized the need for Indonesia to drive massive audience engagement—filling seats, generating buzz, and making the event a national and international sensation.

“You just need the spectators, tickets, and to promote [the event] both in the country and around the world,” Sacchi added.

Funding the Dream: A Balance of State and Sponsorship Support
Hosting a world-class event of this scale requires significant investment. According to Ita Yuliati, chairwoman of the Indonesian Gymnastics Federation, approximately 60% of the championship’s funding will come from government allocations, while the rest will be secured through sponsorships.

Despite Indonesia's recent budget efficiency measures, Yuliati assured that core operational and competition-related expenses remain untouched. “There are some reductions from what we initially asked for, but we are not cutting the spending for operations and anything related to the games,” she confirmed.

What This Means for Indonesia’s Sporting Future
This historic event marks a major milestone for Indonesia’s sports industry, positioning the country as a capable host for high-caliber international competitions. Beyond showcasing world-class gymnastics, the championship could ignite greater public interest in the sport, inspire young athletes, and strengthen Indonesia’s reputation on the global sporting stage.

With world champions, thrilling performances, and an enthusiastic home crowd, the countdown to October has officially begun. Will Indonesia rise to the occasion and deliver an unforgettable championship? The stage is set, and the world is watching.