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ega sports events like the Asian Games, Olympics and the FIFA World Cup are often seen as a momentous opportunity to boost business and the image of the host country. It is expected that Indonesia will experience a burst of tourism and a rebranding transformation of its international profile while hosting the Games, which will run until Sept. 2.

But to be critical, do countries really gain from the legacy of mega sports events?

First, it is expected that the Games will increase cash inflow by up to Rp 45.1 trillion (US$3 billion) and trigger the local economy. The cash flow and economic benefits will mainly be associated with tourism activities during the Games, such as new jobs, sponsorship deals, hotel occupancy and ticket sales, just to name a few.  

But there is little evidence that hosting a mega sports event will bring a legacy of increased tourism well after the Games are over. According to Andrew Zimbalist, a sports economist, researchers have yet obtained data on cities that hosted the Olympics or the FIFA World Cup, two events far bigger and more likely to attract global attention than the Games, and significant increase in international tourism.

Rather, Games tourists replace normal tourists who avoid the host country due to the spike in hotel rates and airfares that are still trying to capitalize on the event.

Second, the Games will rebrand Indonesia’s image on the international stage. True, it is a PR machine for Indonesia just waiting to be exposed. In the last several years, Indonesia has been facing security and social challenges that have tainted its international image.

Organizing a safe and successful sporting event will indeed increase our international profile. It will demonstrate the country’s ability to ensure security and readiness in managing large-scale events that involve thousands of foreign participants. In the case of the Games in Jakarta and Palembang, South Sumatra, Indonesia is welcoming about 10,000 athletes from 44 countries.

Yet it seems as if the priority to rebrand Indonesia’s image as a sporting nation is playing second fiddle. Lately, Indonesia has performed disappointingly in sports. We failed to finish in the top three of the last three Southeast Asian Games’ (SEA Games) medals tally. Our soccer association received a ban from FIFA in 2014, leading to no participation in regional or international competitions, including the FIFA World Cup 2018 qualification round.

Meanwhile, many countries are catching up on us in badminton, the sport we once dominated. Lack of attention from the government, lack of infrastructure and the reluctant involvement of stakeholders and partners were deemed as the factors of our sports decline.

So what should be the legacy of the Games?

 In terms of tourism, hosting the Games should not be a one-off project. Long-term investment should be implemented well after using the momentum of the Games. Besides developing and maintaining the tourist infrastructure and facilities built specifically for the event, the matter of sustainable tourism also needs to be addressed.

Stakeholders such as the government, the private sector and communities brought together during the Games should be further nurtured toward developing other tangible programs that will support the accelerated development of our tourism.

For instance, the development of new initiatives like curating domestic travel packages with the various Games sponsors bringing together retailers, airlines, as well as transportation and hotel groups. A broad sustainable marketing strategy can bring success for a host country that can last for several decades.

Lastly, the Games should be the perfect time to address rebranding Indonesia’s image as a sporting nation capable of success on the international stage. Sport victories on a global stage can build national pride. The Games is not just about participation and being a good host, but it should be able to inspire a whole new generation to reach greater heights in sports.

Indonesia needs to start investing as much time, energy, money and effort in the grass roots of our sports as we do in other fields. More attention from the government and private sector is highly encouraged.

Indonesia should focus and build on youth sports programs not only in Jakarta but throughout the country. Regular sports competitions and proper infrastructure can help us scout for future athletes.

There is little point in inspiring the young generation to play sports if they have no support from the government and other sectors.

It is not uncommon for mega sport events to leave unwanted hopes once they are over. Indonesia should learn from the past mistakes of host countries on the legacy and residual benefits it will experience long after the competition ends.

The efforts and money spent on the Games should not be met with an unfulfilled promise. The main point of hosting the event is its legacy; a legacy not felt during the Games but way after it is over.

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The writer works for the Center for Policy Analysis and Development, Asia Pacific and African Region at the Foreign Ministry. The views expressed are his own.