In a matter of hours, the transition from 2025 to 2026 will occur. Everyone, who so ever they are and whatever their profession, sincerely hopes that 2026 will bring new hope. IADO also hopes for the same. After successfully navigating 2025 amidst extremely difficult, concerning, and difficult circumstances, and fortunately avoiding the threat of WADA sanctions that nearly occurred in late August 2025, now is the time for the IADO to look ahead with optimism to 2026, especially with the arrival of Mr. Erick Thohir as Minister of Youth and Sports in mid-September 2025, a period known in football terms as “injury time.” IADO, which only received the State Budget in September 2025 with a very limited amount, and the salaries of all IADO employees, which were only received since October 2025 (which could not be withdrawn, due to the Minister of Youth and Sports Regulation No. 14 of 2024), can finally breathe a sigh of relief.
IADO sincerely hopes that the 2025 incident (i.e., budget constraints) will not recur. The risk is too high, because if it happens again in 2026, and/or with a very late budget release, it will be very difficult for the IADO and the Indonesian government to avoid the possibility of WADA sanctions again, a sanction that we certainly do not want. In 2026, among other things, the 2026 Asian Games and the Asian Para Games will be held in Nagoya, Japan, in September and October 2026. That does not include a number of other international sporting events that will be contested throughout 2026. IADO aims to demonstrate that its duties extend beyond sampling alone. Its duties extend far beyond sample collections (although that is the most important), including education, intelligence, the process for handling athletes suspected of doping, and, most importantly, ensuring compliance with all its activities in accordance with the World Anti-Doping Code.
At least during Mr. Erick Thohir’s leadership as Minister of Youth and Sports, Indonesia has not been distracted by the drama surrounding WADA sanctions threats. The series of sanctions threats will only harm the Indonesian government’s grand plans to host several international sporting events, as the raising of the Indonesian flag, among other events, will undoubtedly be disrupted by WADA sanctions. IADO has so far proven that, even in the extremely difficult year of 2025, it can still strive, despite its limitations, to ensure the continued rising of the Indonesian flag. If IADO lacked commitment and national responsibility, it might have easily given up in early and mid-2025. Thank God, that difficult situation is over. God willing, 2026 will be better.
Jakarta, 31 December, 2025
IADO Chairman,
Gatot S. Dewa Broto