Indonesia is one of 40 countries participating in the 40th Asian Racing Conference (ARC) in Sapporo Japan which takes place, August 27-September 1, 2024. The event at the Sapporo Convention Center, Japan, which was attended by more than 800 delegates, highlighted the rapid development and challenges of the global horse racing industry. Aryo Djojohadikusumo, Indonesia’s Chief Delegate for the 40th ARC, said he was proud to be present and invited to the event. He said, horse racing is not only a sport and culture of Indonesia that has existed since hundreds of years ago.
“Horse racing is also one of the sports contested at the 21st National Sports Week in North Sumatra-Aceh which will be held from September 8-20, 2024,” Aryo said in his official statement.
The ARC conference has a long history in the development of the horse racing industry in the world. The conference, which was first held in Tokyo, Japan, since 1960, is one of the main international events in the calendar of the Asian Racing Federation (ARF), which currently consists of 28 horse racing federations. Aryo explained some of the challenges faced by the horse racing industry globally, among others, related to the economic situation, increased competition from other sportainment events, to changes in consumer behavior. Special Opportunities Indonesia, Aryo also highlighted the great potential after the demolition of the horse racing facilities are very famous in Singapore, as the country’s land needs for public housing.
“Horse racing industry players in Indonesia must collaborate and innovate to face the challenges and potential of the market,” said Aryo. This year’S ARC conference also addressed various issues in the digital age. The digital age has revolutionized the way fans connect with sports. This digital connection allows for a two-way relationship where fans can feel instantly heard and appreciated. Therefore, it is important for horse racing industry players to be able to navigate collaboration and innovation in the current digitalization era. Aryo said that this conference is good as a platform for stakeholders to collaborate more for the advancement of the Asian horse racing industry and especially in Indonesia. “How science, technology and research can increase the potential of the racing industry, and in this conference, we can discuss and discuss together to get solutions and innovations to face challenges in the horse racing industry, especially related to the use of artificial intelligence”. Aryo added that ” the horse racing industry in Indonesia must be collaborative and innovative in facing the development of the industry in the global arena.” This conference also conducted a comparative study to locations such as Shadai Stallion Station and Nothern Farm, racehorse breeding centers in Japan. Japan is already very famous for its world-class racehorse breeding industry. One of the results of the industry is a horse named Equinox who earned the title of Longines ‘ Best Racehorse in 2023.
On the occasion, Aryo also conveyed directly to Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges as Chairman of the Asian Racing Federation (ARF) about the horse racing industry in Indonesia that has changed and developed rapidly. Indications of these developments include the holding of two horse racing events this year in Bantul, Yogyakarta conducted by Sarga. Many horse racing fans from the younger generation were present and were very enthusiastic in attending the horse racing event. This is certainly a huge potential considering that the population of Indonesia is currently dominated by young people. The 2020 census of the Central Statistics Agency noted that the number of Generation Z (born 1997-2012) in Indonesia reached 74.93 million people or 27.94% of the population. Millennials (born 1981-1996) are 69.38 million people or equivalent to 25.87% of the population. While Generation X (1965-1980) recorded 58.65 million people, equivalent to 21.88% of the population. ADVERTISEMENT Winfried Engelbrecht – Bresges as chairman of ARF also appreciates the development of horse racing in Indonesia. According to him, the demographic data of horse spectators in Asia the majority (about 43%) are over 55 years old and this became a challenge discussed in the ARC conference.
ARF Chairman conveyed the importance of fan involvement and the need to attract the younger generation to enjoy horse racing sports events from an early age which is expected to create interest in the sport. The rapid development of the horse racing industry in several Arab countries was also a major highlight in the ARC conference. Mohammad Saeed Al Shehhi of the Emirates Racing Authority, talks about the revolution and power of horse racing in the United Arab Emirates. “Dubai has some of the best racing, and racing is a great way to market the country and market the lifestyle of the country,” he said. Tom Ryan, Strategy Director of the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia, confirmed that all metrics point in the right direction for horse racing in the country and region. “We are really pushing for progress in all things for the betterment of the horse racing industry in Saudi Arabia,” he said. Tom Ryan says they have done a lot of great things with the Saudi Cup horse racing event. He also spoke about the planned construction of a new racetrack in Qiddiya.