Jakarta – Indonesia has once again demonstrated its ability to host international sporting events with the opening of the 8th Asian Taekwondo Indonesia Open Championships 2026 at the Senayan Indoor Tennis Stadium in Jakarta on Sunday, August 2, 2026. A total of 531 athletes from 36 countries are participating in this G2-level World Taekwondo championship, which counts toward qualification points for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The opening ceremony was attended by South Korean Ambassador Yoon Soon-Gu; Minister of Foreign Affairs Sugiono; Minister of Youth and Sports Erick Thohir; Minister of Public Works Dody Hanggodo; Deputy Minister of Investment and Downstreaming Todotua Pasaribu, serving as Chef de Mission for the 2026 Asian Games; Deputy Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) General Tandyo Budi Revita, Chief of Staff of the Air Force Marshal M. Tonny Harjono, several governors, President of the Asian Taekwondo Union (ATU) Kim Sang-jin, Chairman of the Indonesian Olympic Committee Raja Sapta Oktohari, as well as national sports officials.
Chairman of the Indonesian Taekwondo Association (PBTI) Lt. Gen. Richard Tampubolon stated that the 2026 Indonesia Open will be one of the largest events in the history of national taekwondo. The championship is also part of the series of events commemorating the 81st anniversary of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI).
“This championship is one of the largest events in the history of taekwondo in Indonesia because, after nearly two decades, Indonesia is finally hosting a taekwondo championship of this scale again,” said Richard.
According to him, Indonesia’s success in securing the hosting rights was the result of a competitive bidding process against Malaysia and India. The trust placed in Indonesia by the Asian Taekwondo Union is evidence of the country’s growing reputation in organizing international sporting events.
Richard noted that the presence of participants from Asia, Europe, and even Australia demonstrates the world’s confidence in Indonesia while also opening opportunities to strengthen sports tourism and enhance Indonesia’s image on the global stage.
Asian Taekwondo Union President Kim Sang-jin expressed his appreciation for Indonesia’s readiness to host the championship. He praised the support of TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto, PBTI Chairman Richard Tampubolon, and the entire organizing committee, which he credited with successfully delivering an international-caliber event.
“Indonesia has demonstrated exceptional organizational skills. Thank you for your dedication, hard work, and warm hospitality in making the Indonesia Open a success,” said Kim.
On that occasion, the ATU President, together with the PBTI Chairman, also presented honorary Kukkiwon black belts to Minister of Youth and Sports Erick Thohir and Minister of Public Works Dody Hanggodo as a token of appreciation for their support in the development of taekwondo.
Meanwhile, as of Sunday afternoon, the Indonesian contingent had won six gold, three silver, and three bronze medals. One of the gold medalists, Muhammad Hafizh Fachrur Rhozy, said he was proud to achieve this accomplishment in front of his home crowd.
According to Hafizh, the Indonesia Open was a valuable experience because it featured highly competitive matches while also providing an opportunity to earn points toward the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
“Thank you to the PBTI for bringing a G2-level tournament to Indonesia. This is great because it provides an opportunity to earn points toward the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics,” he said.
At this championship, Indonesia is fielding 31 national team athletes, consisting of 20 kyorugi athletes and 11 poomsae athletes. The poomsae events will be held on August 1–2, 2026, while the kyorugi events will take place on August 3–5, 2026.
This championship aligns with the government’s efforts to improve national athletic performance, strengthen sports diplomacy, and support President Prabowo Subianto’s “Asta Cita” vision to develop high-caliber human resources and enhance Indonesia’s competitiveness through achievements at the international level. (InfoPublik)