Jakarta, Aug. 7 -- Minister of Youth and Sports Erick Thohir has voiced support for private promoter companies bringing preseason matches of foreign football clubs to Indonesia.

"The more international events held in Indonesia, the greater the economic impact and benefits felt by the national sports ecosystem," Thohir said in an official statement here on Friday.

He welcomed a number of preseason matches being held in Jakarta throughout August 2026. On August 1, English Premier League club Aston Villa played a preseason match against Indonesia All Stars at Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK) in Senayan, Jakarta.

Next, two European giants, AC Milan and Chelsea, will face off at SUGBK on Saturday (August 8). At the end of August, Aust...