Right next to Indonesia’s capital Jakarta, in the City of Tangerang, it has been decided to build the first “stand alone ice rink” in the country, marking a historic step in the development of winter sports infrastructure and Ice Hockey in Indonesia.
Indonesia’s Minister for Youth and Sport, Mr. Ario Bimo Nandito Ariotedjo, the Regent of Tangerang, Mr. Mohamad Maesyal Rasyid as well as IIHF President Luc Tardif, highlighted the recent and very positive development the Ice Hockey Federation of Indonesia has been leading, in front of the ice hockey community which caught also the interest and attention of many Media representatives.
“Indonesia is a very pro-active IIHF member and is currently restructuring their programs with a focus on Youth Hockey and strategic concepts. The Sports Ministry and the National Olympic Committee are supporting the federation who is working tirelessly to reach new heights. This new ice rink is the result of all the hard work produced over the last couple of years and especially the positive cooperation amongst all stakeholders”, shared IIHF President Luc Tardif.
A so called “stand alone ice rink” in tropical countries is a rarely seen infrastructure as many of the ice rinks are also located in shopping malls. And such an ice rink can inspire positive development ideas to other IIHF member national associations.
“It can be the required game changer for Ice Hockey in Indonesia. It is also good to see that the programs and development opportunities the IIHF provides with the MNA Developer program on global as well as new initiatives on regional level - such as Youth Hockey Director Program or General Secretary Program - to name just a few, find also the way to strategic plans and concepts from our members”, noted IIHF Sport Development Manager for Asia, Harald Springfeld.
The new ice rink will be part of a large sports complex which is expected to become a sports hub in the area, surrounded by other sport and recreational facilities, residential areas and somewhat 200+ schools in the greater area. This initiative aligns with the city’s broader vision to promote sport tourism and diversify the athletic opportunities available to the community. The ice rink will not only support the growth of Ice Hockey and ice sports in Indonesia but it will also serve as a unique destination for families and visitors alike.
During the IIHF President’s visit, strategic meetings with the Sport Minister as well as National Olympic Committee took place: “I am convinced that the Sports Ministry and National Olympic Committee will further support the Federation as there is a plan in place. The IIHF provides with its Development Department a go-to station for members and it is promising that during our meetings new ideas were born which can help Indonesia as well as the South East Asia region overall”, so IIHF President Luc Tardif.
Construction of the ice rink is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, with the official opening anticipated in early 2026. Until then the Federation will further strive to develop strategical projects and implement new upgrades were required, this will undoubtedly allow their programs to be ready once the ribbon at the ice rink opening ceremony will be cut.