Indonesia protests Malaysia over SEA Games 2027 event cuts
Erick Thohir has written to Malaysia's sports minister and is building regional diplomacy over fairness and sportsmanship.
Youth and Sports Minister Erick Thohir protested host Malaysia's decision not to stage several of Indonesia's strongest events at the 2027 SEA Games. The missing events include climbing, rowing, beach volleyball, men's and women's team badminton, as well as wrestling, chess, jujitsu, kickboxing, handball and triathlon. Erick said the move was disappointing because it could slow sports development in Southeast Asia and disregard the efforts of regional athletes who have achieved world-class results. He said he had received input from the Indonesian Olympic Committee and sports federations, then sent a letter to Malaysia's sports minister seeking an explanation and a commitment to fairness and sportsmanship. Erick said several Southeast Asian sports ministers also backed the diplomatic effort.