Indonesian football expert Muhammad Kusnaini pointed out that the broadcast of the 2026 World Cup could serve as an opportunity to strengthen the presence of public media institutions such as TVRI, RRI, and ANTARA within the community. These statements come at a time when competition between traditional media and social media platforms is intensifying, posing new challenges for these institutions.
Kusnaini emphasized during an interview with RRI in Tanjung Pinang that the World Cup, which will be exclusively broadcast via TVRI in collaboration with RRI and ANTARA, should be utilized as a means to re-engage the audience with these institutions. He explained that this opportunity must be fully leveraged to provide educational and entertaining content that attracts viewers.
Event Details
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is expected to take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, and this edition will be the largest in the tournament's history, featuring 104 matches across 16 cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This sporting event is among the biggest anticipated by football fans worldwide.
Kusnaini praised the role of the Indonesian government through TVRI as the official broadcasting rights holder, allowing the public to watch the matches for free. He stressed the importance of collaboration between TVRI, RRI, and ANTARA to deliver content that enriches the viewing experience and enhances the culture of football in the country.
Background & Context
Historically, public media institutions in Indonesia have played a significant role in providing news and information to citizens. With the rise of digital media, these institutions face substantial challenges in maintaining their audience. The 2026 World Cup represents an opportunity to reaffirm the importance of these institutions in delivering valuable content.
These statements come at a time when the world is witnessing a significant shift towards digital media, where the audience has multiple platform options. Therefore, enhancing the presence of public media institutions is essential for preserving their identity and role in society.
Impact & Consequences
The broadcast of the World Cup could lead to increased awareness of the importance of public media institutions, which may help enhance public trust in them. It could also promote positive values such as friendship and unity, which are represented by football.
Moreover, this event could have a positive economic impact on Indonesia, contributing to increased tourism and boosting business activities related to the World Cup. It may also encourage sports participation among youth, thereby enhancing their overall health.
Regional Significance
The World Cup is a global event that captures the attention of audiences worldwide, including in Arab countries. This tournament could enhance cultural and sporting relations between Indonesia and Arab nations, as everyone shares a love for football.
Additionally, this tournament could serve as an opportunity for exchanging experiences between countries in the fields of media and sports, thus enhancing regional cooperation in these areas.
In conclusion, the 2026 World Cup is not just a sporting event; it is an opportunity to strengthen the role of public media institutions in Indonesia and achieve a positive impact on society and the economy. Everyone should support these institutions to ensure the success of this significant event.