Within hours of his inauguration by the Indonesian President as Indonesia’s new Minister of Youth and Sports, Ario Bimo Nandito Ariotedjo (32) turned his attention to ensuring the ANOC World Beach Games 2023 (AWBG) can operate in Bali as scheduled 05-12 August 2023.
Concerns are growing that following Governor Koster’s refusal to allow Israeli Soccer Players to compete in Bali in the U-20 World Cup, Governor Koster could similarly reject participation by two Israeli teams coming to Bali for the World Beach Games. A sporting event conducted under the auspices of the International Olympic Committee, the ANOC World Beach Games is expected to attract 1,500 athletes. That prestigious event now be canceled if Governor Koster acts consistently and demands Bali and Indonesia renege on the signed hosting agreement by refusing to allow Israelis to compete.
A hardline Anti-Israel stance taken by Bali’s Governor Wayan Koster and Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo prompted FIFA to withdraw the U-20 World Cup from Indonesia, originally scheduled for 20 May until 11 June 2023. Indonesia’s newest and youngest Cabinet Minister, Ario Bimo (Dito), said he would urgently seek common ground to allow the World Beach Games in Bali to proceed.
Minister Dito, quoted in Balipost.com, confirmed he would soon hold meetings with all the concerned parties to ensure the AWBG can proceed. Adopting an optimistic outlook, the newly minted Youth and Sports Minister said, “Maybe because we are young, we will meet with everyone.”
Dito said he would attend these meetings following the directions given by President Joko Widodo, who recently called on all Indonesians to act wisely and not mistakenly mix sports with politics. Adding: “I am following the Presidential statement that sports and politics must be kept separate. While the matter may be highly complex, we will do our best (to find a solution).”
Dito was sworn into his new Ministerial role at The National Palace on Monday, 03 April 2023. He replaces the outgoing Youth and Sports Minister Zainudin Amali, who resigned on 09 March 2023, following his appointment as Deputy-chairman of PSSI (Indonesian Football Association) for 2023-2026.
Dito brings a curriculum vitae to his new Ministerial Post that includes working as a member of management for RANS Prestige Sportainment. He has also served as Indonesian Chef de Mission for the 2018 Youth Olympic Games in Argentina and managed the Indonesia Sports Cycling Association (ISSI).
In the political realm, Dito has held several positions of responsibility within the Golkar Party.
Related Links
U-20 World Cup Fiasco: Insight & Analysis
U-20: More than US$250 Mn Down the Drain?
Will World Beach Games in Bali Go Ahead?
2023 World Beach Games Website
World Beach Games Bali 2023 05-12 Aug 2023
Stay Informed on Bali Tourism-Related News: Subscribe to Bali Update
