Sport, science and politics in Indonesia: challenges in epistemology within an evolving global context John Saunders, Rusli Lutan International Sports Studies. Physical Education and Sport in Indonesia – Perspectives from 2020 42 No. 3 (2020) https://doi.org/10.30819/iss.42-e.02     pp: 4-17     2020-12-11

Sport, science and politics in Indonesia: challenges in epistemology within an evolving global context

Stichworte/keywords: physical education, sports science, professional practices, globalisation, pandemic

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Abstract
This paper considers the current status of physical education and sport science in Indonesia from the perspective of the development of the professional knowledge base and research culture surrounding its practice. It seeks to place the field’s development within the broader context of international sport studies from 1945 to 2020. It identifies as major influences the process of globalisation and the growth of international sport as a significant political and economic entity. Physical education is acknowledged as a common historical base for the three modern strands within contemporary sports studies – medical /and health science, high performance studies, and sports business management. Future developments are considered in the context of the current pandemic. Covid19 and the world’s response to it has impacted on some key dimensions which underpin the current global sports economy – namely easy and convenient travel and the gathering of crowds in the widespread consumption of live sport. It is suggested that this might cause a major reset in the conduct of elite sport and sport festivals. The continuing growth of the physical activity and health sector is predicted and in the context of the serious challenges facing the sporting sector a case is made for increased resources to be moved back into the educational study and practice of sport and physical activity as a universal good.