Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Indonesia, this vast archipelago with diverse landscapes, is a land of dynamism where sports culture holds a prominent place in the daily lives of its people. From the picturesque beaches of Bali to the imposing mountains of Sumatra, the country offers a range of activities that appeal to both locals and visitors alike.
Leading Sports in Indonesia
Soccer stands as a true national phenomenon, igniting crowds in every stadium.
The crystal-clear waters surrounding the islands become the ideal playground for surfing enthusiasts, who come from around the world to ride the legendary waves at spots like Uluwatu or Padang Padang.
The richness of the natural environment also allows for diving, rock climbing, and trekking, attracting adventure-seekers looking for challenges in spectacular sites such as Mount Rinjani or the waters of Raja Ampat.
Discover how these sports contribute to shaping Indonesia’s multicultural identity, while offering a palette of unique experiences for outdoor activity enthusiasts.
List of Must-Try Sports in Indonesia
Sports hold a central place in Indonesian society, both in practice and through spectator enthusiasm. Among the most popular disciplines are badminton, soccer, and pencak silat, each with major cultural and historical impact.
| Sport | Cultural and Historical Impact | Iconic Figures / Teams | Competitions | Infrastructure and Enthusiasm |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Badminton | National sport and source of pride, symbol of excellence since the 1950s. First sport to bring an Olympic gold medal to Indonesia (1992). | Rudy Hartono, Taufik Hidayat, Susi Susanti | Thomas Cup, Uber Cup, Sudirman Cup, BAMTC, Olympic Games | Practiced nationwide, local clubs, specialized stadiums. Mass following, especially among women (81%). |
| Soccer | Inherited from colonial period, vehicle for national unity. Highly popular across all social classes. | National team (“Garuda”), Persija Jakarta, Arema FC | Liga 1 (professional league), Indonesian Cup, regional competitions (SEA Games, Asian Games) | Modern stadiums in major cities, active local leagues, high attendance. Dominant following among men (64%). |
| Pencak Silat | Traditional martial art, internationally recognized cultural heritage, identity discipline and cohesion vehicle. | Iko Uwais, Edi Kusdaryanto, Hanifan Yudani Kusumah | National championships, SEA Games, Asian Games, world competitions | Dojos and specialized schools throughout the archipelago, many practitioners of all ages. Practice highlighted during cultural festivals. |
Key Points About Enthusiasm and Infrastructure:
- Badminton is embedded in daily life, with courts present in both urban and rural neighborhoods. International victories are widely celebrated, and many young people aspire to join national teams.
- Soccer gathers huge crowds in stadiums and in front of screens. Infrastructure varies: large-capacity stadiums in metropolitan areas, community fields in villages. Club rivalries and fan passion (“ultras”) contribute to a unique atmosphere.
- Pencak Silat benefits from strong institutional support and recognition as intangible heritage. Silat schools play an important social role, transmitting values and traditions to new generations.
Other Popular Sports:
- Basketball, volleyball, futsal and international martial arts (karate, taekwondo).
- Water and board sports (surfing, swimming) are gaining popularity, especially in coastal areas.
National and International Competitions:
- Pekan Olahraga Nasional (National Sports Week), held every four years, mobilizes all provinces.
- Regular and successful participation in Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games), Asian Games, and Olympic Games.
The Social Importance of Sports:
Sports are a vehicle for national pride, social cohesion, and upward mobility.
Athletic achievements are celebrated in the media, and many athletes become role models and cultural ambassadors.
Sports in Indonesia are not just physical activities, but pillars of identity and collective life.
Good to Know:
Badminton is iconic in Indonesia, with legends like Rudy Hartono, while soccer captivates crowds through clubs like Persija Jakarta and modern infrastructure; pencak silat, a traditional martial art, is celebrated through national competitions that influence local culture.
Where to Practice Sports Activities in Indonesia
Indonesia offers great diversity of sports activities distributed according to regions and their natural or cultural assets. Here’s an overview of main cities and regions where the most popular sports are practiced, along with practical advice, renowned sites, recommended equipment, sports centers, and major events.
| Region / City | Sport(s) Practiced | Renowned Sites / Clubs | Ideal Period | Tips & Equipment | Events and Organizations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bali | Surfing, yoga, paddle, tennis | Kuta Beach, Uluwatu, Monkey Padel Bali, Finns Recreation Club | May – October (dry season) | Surfboard, wetsuit, paddles, athletic shoes | Rip Curl Cup (surfing), local paddle and tennis clubs |
| Java (Yogyakarta, Bandung, Bromo, Semeru) | Hiking, cycling, soccer, basketball | Mount Bromo, Mount Semeru, Yogyakarta (urban cycling) | May – October (dry climate) | Hiking boots, technical clothing, bicycle helmet | Java Lava (hiking), university tournaments |
| Sumatra (Bukittinggi, Padang) | Pencak silat, hiking, surfing | Bukittinggi (martial arts), Padang beaches (surfing) | April – October | Martial arts uniform, surfboard, hiking backpack | Pencak Silat Festivals, regional competitions |
| Raja Ampat (West Papua) | Diving, snorkeling | Raja Ampat Islands, Misool, Wayag | October – April (best visibility) | Mask, snorkel, wetsuit, diving certification | Raja Ampat Dive Festival, certified dive centers |
| Nias | Stone jumping (fahombo), surfing | Bawamataluo Village, Sorake Beaches | May – September (dry season) | Athletic shorts, surfboard, camera | Cultural demonstrations, surfing competitions |
| Jakarta, Surabaya | Soccer, badminton, basketball | Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Istora Senayan | Year-round (indoor facilities) | Ball, racket, appropriate shoes | Indonesia Open (badminton), national leagues |
| Lombok | Surfing, hiking, diving | Kuta Lombok Beach, Rinjani | April – October | Walking shoes, surfboard, diving equipment | Rinjani 100 (trail), local surf schools |
Sports and Iconic Sites by Region:
- Surfing in Bali: Kuta, Uluwatu, Canggu. Beaches suitable for all levels. Numerous schools and equipment rentals. Ideal season: May to October.
- Hiking in Java: Climbing Bromo and Semeru volcanoes, urban hikes in Yogyakarta. Bring warm clothing, headlamp, local guides recommended.
- Diving in Raja Ampat: One of the world’s most renowned spots for marine biodiversity. PADI certified dive centers. Ideal season: October to April.
- Pencak Silat in Sumatra: Bukittinggi and Padang famous for traditional schools. Opportunity to attend demonstrations or take introductory workshops.
- Cycling in Java: Yogyakarta and Solo, flat cities suitable for cycling. Easy bike rentals, organized tourist circuits.
Practical Tips for Visitors:
Equipment to Bring:
- Surfing: board suitable for your level, light wetsuit, sunscreen
- Hiking: sturdy shoes, windbreaker, backpack with water and snacks
- Diving: mask, snorkel, wetsuit, diving certification for deep sites
- Racket (paddle/tennis): racket, athletic shoes, appropriate attire
Best Periods:
- Dry season (May-October) for surfing, hiking and cycling
- Wet season (October-April): best visibility for diving in Raja Ampat
Sports Centers and Organizations:
- Numerous surf schools, dive clubs, and hiking associations offer supervised activities and equipment rental.
- Racket clubs in Bali and stadiums in Jakarta offer modern facilities.
- For authentic experiences, prioritize local guides and participate in regional sports festivals.
Annual Sports Events:
- Rip Curl Cup (surfing, Bali)
- Indonesia Open (badminton, Jakarta)
- Raja Ampat Dive Festival (diving)
- Rinjani 100 (ultra-trail, Lombok)
- Pencak Silat Festivals (Sumatra)
Note:
Soccer and badminton are practiced everywhere, with stadiums or fields in every major city. Traditional sports like pencak silat and sepak takraw are part of cultural heritage and are regularly featured at festivals or public demonstrations.
Good to Know:
In Bali, surf at Uluwatu between May and September for optimal waves; in Java, the spectacular hike up Mount Bromo is best during dry season (June to September); for diving in Raja Ampat, bring your equipment or rent on site noting that visibility is better from October to April.
Sports Budget for an Expat in Indonesia
Costs Associated with Practicing Popular Sports in Indonesia for an Expat
| Sport | Registration/Membership Fees | Basic Equipment Cost | Example Cost (Urban Area) | Example Cost (Rural Area) | Expat Programs/Discounts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Badminton | 80,000 to 250,000 IDR/month | 150,000 to 600,000 IDR | 5 to 15 USD/session, or subscription | Cheaper, sometimes free in schools/villages | Clubs often open to expats, family or group rates |
| Surfing (Bali) | No mandatory registration | Board rental: 50,000–100,000 IDR/day Purchase: 2–6 million IDR | Board rental + lessons: 200,000–500,000 IDR/session | Often free access, lower rental costs | Group lessons with expat rates available |
| Scuba Diving | Variable club fees (often included in package) | Complete equipment: 5–10 million IDR | Introductory/lessons: 600,000–1,500,000 IDR Certified dive: 350,000–700,000 IDR/dive | Rural areas: cheaper, local clubs | Preferential group/expat rates |
| Paddle | 400,000 IDR/hour (shared court) | Paddle: 800,000–2 million IDR | 8 to 15 USD/person/hour | Rarely available in rural areas | Very active expat communities, tournament organization |
| Fitness/Gym | 400,000 to 3 million IDR/month | Attire and shoes: 500,000 IDR+ | 27–200 USD/month depending on standard | Local gyms cheaper | Corporate subscriptions often available |
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
