SEA Games 2027: Mohammed Taufiq Dismisses Claims Indonesia May Boycott Games

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 10 (Bernama) -- Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari has dismissed claims that Indonesia is considering boycotting the 2027 SEA Games following the exclusion of several sporting events from the biennial games.

He said his ministry had not received any official statement on the matter, while stressing that the selection of events had gone through the processes and procedures set by the Southeast Asian Games Federation (SEAGF) and had been agreed upon by the participating countries.

“This is actually not the first time that certain sports have not been included. If we look at previous editions, there have also been host countries that did not organise certain events.

“So, we have followed the established processes, which have been agreed upon by the SEAGF and all the participating countries. Therefore, I believe this matter should no longer arise,” he told a press conference after the launch of the official SEA Games 2027 portal here today.

Earlier, international media reported that a national sports association in Indonesia had proposed a boycott of the games following the omission of several sports considered priorities by the country.

Among the sports excluded from the programme are sport climbing, rowing, beach volleyball, wrestling, chess, jujitsu, kickboxing and handball.

Mohammed Taufiq said he respected the various views expressed on the issue but hoped all countries would continue to uphold the spirit of ASEAN unity.

“I am confident that the theme we have chosen this time, ‘Celebrating Unity’, reflects our aim to celebrate togetherness.

“This is a family-oriented sporting event, bringing together the ASEAN family. I believe that each country has the wisdom to ensure that unity within ASEAN is preserved and strengthened,” he said.

Last October, 473 events across 43 sports were approved for the 2027 SEA Games, which will be held in Malaysia from Sept 18 to 29.

-- BERNAMA