Mataram, July 26, 2025 — The government officially opened the 8th National Recreational Sports Festival (FORNAS VIII 2025) in Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara, with a strong commitment to driving the creative economy through collaborations involving 38 provinces and 18,000 participants, generating an estimated IDR 800 billion in economic value. The opening ceremony was attended by Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Development, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY), and Minister of Creative Economy, Teuku Riefky Harsya.
Dok. Biro Komunikasi Kemenekraf - Menko AHY dan Menteri Ekraf Hadiri Pembukaan FORNAS 2025, Dorong Kolaborasi Komunitas dan Penguatan Ekonomi Kreatif, Mataram, Sabtu (26/07/2025).
Coordinating Minister AHY emphasized that FORNAS delivers impacts beyond sports, providing significant benefits to the creative economy, MSMEs, and tourism sectors.
“Hopefully, the event will not only succeed in terms of organization but also help stimulate economic activity. The presence of the Minister of Creative Economy underscores the importance of this sporting event within the broader national economic ecosystem,” said AHY during his remarks at the NTB Governor’s Office.
Dok. Biro Komunikasi Kemenekraf
Held biennially, FORNAS is organized by the Indonesian Recreational Sports Committee (KORMI) to encourage community-based sports as a healthy, active, and inclusive lifestyle.
The opening featured a parade of provincial contingents, accompanied by video mapping on the façade of the NTB Governor’s Office, showcasing local culture and the FORNAS VIII theme. A stage with dramatic lighting, giant screens, and an advanced sound system enhanced the ceremonial atmosphere.
Minister of Creative Economy Teuku Riefky highlighted that the ministry’s participation reflects a commitment to strengthening cross-sector collaboration.
Dok. Biro Komunikasi Kemenekraf
“We believe that community-based sporting events such as FORNAS can synergize with creative economy subsectors, including performing arts, fashion, culinary, and content production,” he stated.
He further expressed readiness for the ministry to act as a strategic partner for creative communities across regions.
“Collaboration with society is the key to sustainably growing the national creative ecosystem,” the Minister added.
Dok. Biro Komunikasi Kemenekraf
FORNAS VIII 2025 brought together 38 provincial contingents with more than 18,000 participants. A total of 12,378 competitions were held, involving 3,878 officials and match organizers, 74 Inorga (sports organizations) with 847 events, and 13 exhibition Inorga.
The event is projected to generate over IDR 800 billion in economic circulation, spanning hospitality, transportation, logistics, local culinary, and MSMEs. Moreover, it is expected to create more than 9,500 temporary jobs across both formal and informal sectors.
Dok. Biro Komunikasi Kemenekraf
The opening ceremony was also attended by cabinet ministers and deputy ministers, the Governor of West Nusa Tenggara, governors from other provinces, members of the House of Representatives (DPR RI), and the Regional Representative Council (DPD RI).
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Acting Head of Bureau for Communication
Ministry/Agency of Creative Economy
