The inauguration took place at the State Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday, along with several other ministers and deputy ministers resulting from the third reshuffle of the Red and White Cabinet for the 2024–2029 period.
Along with Thohir, several other officials were also sworn in, including Djamari Caniago as Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs, Afriansyah Noor as Deputy Minister of Manpower, Rohmat Marzuki as Deputy Minister of Forestry, and Faridah Farichah as Deputy Minister of Cooperatives.
In this reshuffle, President Prabowo dismissed Thohir from his previous position as Minister of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) in the Red and White Cabinet for the 2024–2029 period.
The decision to appoint Thohir as Minister of Youth and Sports was stipulated in Presidential Decree (Keppres) Number 96P of 2025 concerning the Dismissal and Appointment of Ministers and Deputy Ministers, issued in Jakarta on September 6, 2025.
During the inauguration ceremony, President Prabowo led the oath of office for the new officials.
"That I will be loyal to the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia and will strictly implement all laws and regulations for the sake of my devotion to the nation and state," the officials declared, following the President's reading.
Thohir's appointment as Minister of Youth and Sports aligns with his extensive experience and track record in the world of sports.
Born in Jakarta on May 30, 1970, he has previously led various international sports organizations, including serving as owner of the Inter Milan football club in 2013, and investing in the Philadelphia 76ers NBA basketball team and DC United football club in the United States.
At the national level, Thohir played a key role in the success of the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta.
As Chairman of the Organizing Committee (INASGOC), he led Indonesia to its highest achievement in history and earned international praise for innovative event management.
He was later entrusted to lead the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) in 2022 amid a crisis of public confidence.
With a firm and professional leadership style, he reformed the federation's governance, strengthened league competitions, and promoted the development of young footballers.
Furthermore, his experience as SOEs Minister facilitated synergies among state-owned enterprises to support sports financing, infrastructure development, and economic diplomacy through international sporting events.
Under his leadership, various initiatives have been implemented, ranging from healthy living campaigns and improvements to athlete training facilities to efforts to enhance Indonesia's achievements at the Asian and global levels.
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Translator: Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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