Labuan Bajo Named Venue for Women’s Football and Sailing at PON 2028

Labuan Bajo — Labuan Bajo in Manggarai Barat, East Nusa Tenggara, was identified on Sept. 21, 2026, as the venue for women’s football and sailing at the 2028 National Sports Week, according to reports from detikcom and OkeBajo.

The change comes as East Nusa Tenggara prepares to host part of PON XXII in 2028 alongside West Nusa Tenggara and Jakarta. Manggarai Barat is preparing a regional sports plan that is intended to guide infrastructure and sports development for the events.

Why the PON 2028 designation matters to visitors

For foreign residents and visitors, the designation means Labuan Bajo is being included in the national competition’s venue plan, rather than serving only as a tourism destination. The reports also indicate that facilities for the two sports were not yet available when the announcement was made. The planned events therefore depend on the development of suitable football and sailing infrastructure.

OkeBajo reported that Manggarai Barat had been entrusted with hosting women’s football and sailing. Radio Republik Indonesia described the preparation of the Desain Olahraga Daerah, or Regional Sports Design, as an early step toward hosting the competitions. The document is intended to guide sports development and preparations in Manggarai Barat.

According to detikcom, Pius Baut, the Acting Regional Secretary of Manggarai Barat, said the local sports plan would include facilities for women’s football matches and the sailing competition. PON XXII in 2028 is planned across East Nusa Tenggara, West Nusa Tenggara and Jakarta.

Sources

• detikcom — Indonesian news report
• Radio Republik Indonesia — public broadcaster report
• OkeBajo — local news report