FROM BADMINTON CHAMPIONS TO FOOTBALL FEVER, JAKARTA’S PASSION FOR SPORT CONTINUES TO INSPIRE INDONESIA AND THE WORLD
The Indonesian capital has become a powerhouse of sporting excellence, community participation, and international ambition.
Badminton World Federation Glory at Istora Senayan
Badminton remains one of Jakarta’s greatest sporting passions and a symbol of Indonesian national pride. At the heart of that legacy stands Istora Senayan, one of the world’s most iconic badminton venues, renowned for its electrifying atmosphere and historic tournaments.
The arena has hosted prestigious events including the Thomas Cup, Uber Cup, and BWF championships, welcoming generations of legendary athletes such as Rudy Hartono, Liem Swie King, and Susi Susanti. Today, the PBSI national training centre in Jakarta continues to nurture the country’s future champions.
Persija Jakarta and the Passion of The Jakmania
Football occupies a deeply emotional place in Jakarta’s sporting identity. Persija Jakarta, founded in 1928, commands one of Southeast Asia’s most passionate fan bases through its loyal supporters’ group, The Jakmania.
Matches at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium regularly transform the Senayan sports complex into a sea of colour, chants, and energy. Originally completed in 1962 and extensively renovated for the 2018 Asian Games, the 77,000-capacity stadium remains one of Asia’s premier sporting venues.
Following Indonesia’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, enthusiasm surrounding football in Jakarta has intensified, placing the city firmly in the global sporting spotlight.
Jakarta Marathon and the Rise of Mass Participation Sport
Sport in Jakarta extends far beyond elite competition. The Jakarta Marathon has become one of the country’s leading road races, drawing thousands of participants from across Indonesia and abroad since its launch in 2013.
At the same time, the city’s weekly Car Free Day initiative transforms Jalan Sudirman and Jalan Thamrin into open public spaces dedicated to exercise and recreation. Every Sunday morning, cyclists, runners, skaters, and families gather in the heart of the capital, reflecting Jakarta’s growing culture of active and healthy living.
A City United Through Sport
From badminton courts and football stadiums to marathon routes and public parks, sport has become an essential part of Jakarta’s social and cultural fabric. Supported by the Jakarta Provincial Government and national sporting organisations, these activities continue to foster unity, wellbeing, and international recognition.
As Jakarta evolves into a modern global capital, its enduring passion for sport remains one of the city’s most powerful and unifying forces.
Credit: Fathiyah Mumtaz
