Creating ‘Circuit’ Diplomacy: The Motives of the Indonesian Government in Hosting Various International Sporting Events
Keywords:
Sports, Mandalika, Nation Branding, Sport Diplomacy, Sport TourismAbstract
This study aims to identify and analyze the motives of the Indonesian government in selecting and hosting various international sporting events in recent years. Amidst the challenges of infrastructure disparities, post COVID-19 pandemic recovery, and budget efficiencies, Indonesia has become increasingly aggressive in hosting prestigious competitions such as the Mandalika MotoGP, the FIFA U-17 World Cup, and the FIBA Basketball World Cup. This study employs a qualitative method and a Systematic Literature Review approach, utilizing secondary data gathered from various scholarly literatures and credible websites. The results show that the primary motive of the Indonesian government is driven by optimism to enhance soft power capacity and nation branding on the global stage, while shifting its image from an exotic developing country into a competent, modern nation. Beyond serving as a political instrument, hosting these international events constitutes a strategic step to stimulate local economic equity and accelerate regional infrastructure development. Through the integration of the sport tourism concept and the preservation of local culture, as implemented in the Lake Toba Super Priority Destination and the Mandalika Special Economic Zone, the government has successfully generated multiplier effects in the form of increased Regional Original Revenue, employment expansion, and sustainable investment attraction. This study concludes that sports have become a fundamental catalyst in effective public diplomacy for Indonesia.
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