"We hope it will have a similar effect to the World Cup by providing entertainment for people across Indonesia. I also believe it will help stimulate economic growth," Tito said in a statement issued in Jakarta on Sunday.
The minister made the remarks while attending the opening ceremony of the 2026 President's Cup at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium in Bandung District, West Java, on Saturday (July 25).
The tournament was officially opened with a ceremonial kick-off by Tito, accompanied by Housing and Settlements Minister Maruarar Sirait, Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) Chairman Erick Thohir, Presidential Chief of Staff Dudung Abdurachman, West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi, and Persib Bandung Manager Umuh Muchtar.
According to Tito, the 2026 President's Cup is expected to boost the economy, particularly by benefiting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The tournament has the potential to generate broad economic benefits, he said.
He also expressed hope that the President's Cup would serve as a platform for player development and talent identification.
According to Tito, a well-organized competition would help players improve their skills and increase their chances of earning places on the Indonesian national football team.
"At the same time, we can develop our athletes and make this tournament a platform to identify future national team players so that we can become even stronger," he said.
Tito added that if various player development and capacity-building efforts continue, Indonesia could one day qualify for the FIFA World Cup.
Meanwhile, Housing and Settlements Minister Maruarar Sirait, who also chairs the steering committee of the 2026 President's Cup, said this year's tournament is being held on a larger scale than previous editions.
He noted that the prize money for the champions had increased from Rp5.5 billion to Rp6 billion.
Maruarar also highlighted improvements in the management of MSMEs around the stadium, saying better-organized vending areas had helped enhance the tournament atmosphere.
Both ministers visited several MSME areas around the stadium and praised the arrangements.
"I've seen that the management of MSMEs is much better. The designated areas are better prepared, and the atmosphere is more vibrant," Maruarar said.
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Translator: Bayu Prasetyo
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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