Jakarta, June 23 -- Youth and Sports Minister Erick Thohir said FIFA World Cup watch parties, or "nobar" events, are helping stimulate local economies across Indonesia while providing entertainment for football fans.

Thohir praised strong public enthusiasm for 2026 World Cup watch parties, which have expanded to thousands of locations nationwide.

"I am pleased to join TVRI's World Cup watch party featuring Argentina against Austria. These events can help drive economic activity in many regions," he said in a statement on Tuesday.

According to TVRI data, the number of watch-party locations has reached 7,200 nationwide.

The figure reflects strong public participation and highlights the broad economic benefits generated by the events, he...