{
  "id": 19768514,
  "title": "Indonesia seeks answers from Malaysia over dropped SEA Games sports",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/13/indonesia-seeks-answers-from-malaysia-over-dropped-sea-games-sports",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-13T06:31:09.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/others/2026/11/1576836/indonesia-seeks-answers-malaysia-over-dropped-sea-games-sports"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "KUALA LUMPUR: Indonesia has intensified its protest over the exclusion of several sports from the 2027 SEA Games, turning to sports diplomacy to seek clarification from Malaysia. Youth and Sports Minister Erick Thohir has written to his Malaysian counterpart Dr Taufiq Johari, requesting an explanation and Malaysia's commitment to fairness and sportsmanship at the regional Games. Erick emphasized that sports should foster unity among Southeast Asian nations and provide athletes with opportunities to compete, rather than limiting their chances. He expressed disappointment, stating that it feels like a betrayal to the athletes who have raised their national flags when world-class athletes are barred from participating in sports that are contested at the Olympics. According to Erick, ten sports have been omitted from the 2027 SEA Games programme, including eight that Indonesia considers as key strengths — sport climbing, rowing, beach volleyball, wrestling, kickboxing, jiu-jitsu, chess, and handball. He added that Indonesia would engage other Southeast Asian countries through sports diplomacy to seek clarification on the decision. Erick mentioned that the National Olympic Committee and national sports associations had provided feedback, and several sports ministers had also expressed support. He further stated that the NOC would join in pursuing the matter through sports diplomacy. However, Taufiq had earlier mentioned that there should be no issue with the selection of sports, as the programme was decided based on the processes and regulations of the Southeast Asian Games Federation and agreed upon by member countries. The 2027 SEA Games programme, with 473 events across 43 sports, has already been finalized. The biennial games will be held from September 18-29 across four hosting clusters — Kuala Lumpur, Sarawak, Penang, and Johor.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: Indonesia has stepped up its protest over several sports being left out of the 2027 SEA Games, with Youth and Sports Minister Erick Thohir turning to sports diplomacy to seek answers from Malaysia.",
  "key_points": [
    "Indonesia protests exclusion of 10 sports from 2027 SEA Games.",
    "Youth and Sports Minister Erick Thohir seeks clarification from Malaysia.",
    "Ten sports, including sport climbing and wrestling, omitted from program."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}