World Cup Public Screenings Become Spaces of Togetherness and Drivers of Local Economies

Jakarta Kartininews.com - The euphoria of the 2026 World Cup is not only felt in the host stadiums but has also spread to various regions across Indonesia. Thousands of people are gathering in public spaces, open fields, village halls, and bustling centers to watch the matches through "nonton bareng" (nobar) activities, which have now become both a social phenomenon and an economic one.

Minister of Youth and Sports (Menpora) Erick Thohir views the high public enthusiasm for the 2026 World Cup nobar events as having positive impacts that go far beyond entertainment. These activities are seen as capable of driving local economic growth through increased trading activity and greater involvement of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

In a press release received by InfoPublik on Tuesday (23/6/2026), the Menpora expressed his appreciation to President Prabowo Subianto for supporting the availability of sports broadcasts for the wider public.

According to Erick, public access to quality sports viewing is an important part of building spaces for togetherness while strengthening public optimism. The presence of nobar events in various regions has also opened up economic opportunities that can be felt directly by local communities.

“I am confident that with nobar, economic activity can grow comprehensively in various places,” said Erick.

Data from TVRI shows that the number of nobar points spread across Indonesia has reached approximately 7,200 locations. This figure reflects the enormous public interest in the world’s largest football tournament while also highlighting the economic potential arising from each of these events.

In various regions, nobar activities are not just gathering places for football fans. The large number of viewers has also revitalized culinary businesses, street vendors, creative economy actors, and providers of supporting services for community activities.

Recognizing this potential, the Ministry of Youth and Sports has coordinated with the Ministry of Home Affairs so that regional governments can optimize nobar events as a driver of community economies.

Erick hopes that regional heads will actively involve MSMEs in every nobar event so that the resulting economic benefits can be felt more widely.

“We now have 7,200 nobar points. This means it is a positive activity. Therefore, Kemenpora has also asked the Ministry of Home Affairs for regional heads to organize nobar activities that support economic growth by involving MSMEs,” he said.

This phenomenon demonstrates that sports have a significant multiplier effect on the economy. Not only does it create entertainment and togetherness, but sports can also drive various business sectors related to community events.

The Menpora cited how hosting the World Cup in host countries can significantly boost economic activity. High spectator attendance in stadiums impacts transportation, hospitality, culinary, and creative industries.

According to him, stadium occupancy rates exceeding 96 percent serve as proof that sports is a sector with very strong economic driving power.

A similar condition, albeit on a different scale, is also being felt in Indonesia through nobar events spread across various regions. The more people who gather and interact in positive activities, the greater the economic opportunities created.

In addition to its economic impact, nobar activities also serve as spaces that unite society. Differences in background, age, and profession seem to dissolve in the shared spirit of enjoying world football matches.

This value of togetherness aligns with the spirit of national development, which places social unity as the foundation of national progress. Through sports, communities can build solidarity, strengthen social interaction, and foster collective optimism.

In the perspective of national development, strengthening the sports ecosystem and people’s economy is also in line with President Prabowo Subianto’s Asta Cita, particularly in efforts to strengthen the development of healthy, productive, and competitive human resources, as well as to promote inclusive economic growth down to the regional level.

Therefore, Kemenpora is committed to continuing to expand public access to various sports broadcasts through national television. This step is expected to create more spaces for public participation while strengthening the national sports industry.

Erick said his ministry would explore various cooperation opportunities so that national and international sports matches can become increasingly accessible to the public.

“We will also find ways for national sports matches to be aired on TVRI; we will look for sponsors together,” said Erick.

Moving forward, collaboration between the government, broadcasting media, the business world, and community groups is expected to strengthen the national sports ecosystem. In this way, sports will not only be a means of achievement but also an instrument of social and economic development with real impact on society.

Amid the excitement of the 2026 World Cup, thousands of nobar points spread from cities to remote areas serve as proof that sports have the power to unite society while driving the wheels of the economy. From television screens broadcasting world matches, new economic opportunities are born that provide direct benefits to residents across Indonesia.