The Embassy of India’s annual tournament has evolved into a meeting ground for government, business, the Indian diaspora and Indonesian society—with philanthropy at its heart.
Jakarta, August 23, 2026 — There are many ways to conduct diplomacy. Some take place across negotiating tables, others through state visits and formal agreements. But some of the most enduring relationships between countries are built much more informally—through friendships between people, business relationships, shared communities and occasions that bring them together.
That was perhaps the more important story behind the fourth India–Indonesia Golf Cup, held at Pondok Indah Golf Course in Jakarta on August 22. What began in 2022 as an Embassy of India initiative centred around golf has steadily developed into something considerably broader: an annual gathering of the people and institutions that sustain the India–Indonesia relationship beyond government-to-government diplomacy.
This year’s edition brought together 144 golfers and more than 300 guests, including senior Indonesian personalities and government officials, diplomats, corporate leaders, professionals and members of the Indian and Indonesian communities.
Among the prominent Indonesian participants were Sultan Bachtiar Najamudin, Chairman of Indonesia’s Regional Representative Council (DPD RI), alongside senior officials from Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu) and representatives from government, business and other institutions. Their presence alongside the Indian diplomatic and business communities reflected the increasingly broad constituency supporting the bilateral relationship.
Ambassador of India Mr Sandeep Chakravorty (1strd from right) with Bapak Sultan Bachtiar Najamudin, Chairman of DPD RI (2th from right)
Diplomacy Built Around People
Much of the Golf Cup’s evolution has taken place under Sandeep Chakravorty, Ambassador of India to Indonesia, who has championed a style of diplomacy that reaches well beyond official engagements.
The approach recognizes a simple reality. India and Indonesia may establish their strategic relationship through governments, but the durability of that relationship ultimately depends upon whether businesses invest in each other’s countries, professionals develop lasting networks, communities understand one another and people on both sides feel that they have a stake in the partnership.
The Golf Cup has increasingly become one of the Embassy’s instruments for creating precisely this kind of community.
As Chakravorty told guests at the awards ceremony, the tournament has become “much more than a sporting event,” evolving over four years into a platform bringing together diplomats, government officials, business leaders and communities through partnership, camaraderie and goodwill.
That evolution is significant because India’s community in Indonesia is itself remarkably diverse. It encompasses long-established families and entrepreneurs, professionals working for multinational corporations, newer technology businesses, industrial companies, financial institutions and people whose connections with Indonesia stretch across generations. Bringing that diaspora together with Indonesian counterparts creates relationships that conventional diplomatic events do not always achieve.
A Corporate Ecosystem Reflecting a Wider Relationship
Perhaps one of the strongest indications of the Golf Cup’s community character is the diversity of organizations supporting it.
The sponsor and partner ecosystem shown in the tournament’s post-event report extends across infrastructure and energy, automotive, telecommunications, technology, banking and financial services, healthcare, FMCG and consumer brands, hospitality, restaurants, retail and lifestyle businesses.
Major corporate names sit alongside smaller businesses and community-oriented brands. Indian companies operating in Indonesia appear alongside Indonesian companies, multinational corporations and businesses founded or managed by members of the diaspora.
The mix matters.
Rather than being an event dependent upon one or two large corporate patrons, the Golf Cup has developed a broad supporting ecosystem. The sponsors featured in the event report include organizations such as Advanced Offshore, GMR Group, AM/NS Indonesia, Trias Rejeki, Minda Asean Automotive, Adani Global, Tata Motors, Republikorp, BMW Eurokars Indonesia, XLSMART, MAP Active, Mayapada Hospital, Godrej, Amar Bank, Greenfields, Embee Plumbon, Parindo Jaya, Jaya Aviasi, NAM training Center, Baramulti Suksessarana, Kefi Wangi, Golf house, Synergy Group, Gojek, April, TVS Motors, Grand Hyatt and numerous other companies and hospitality, retail and lifestyle brands.
Collectively, their participation illustrates something larger than sponsorship. It demonstrates the density of commercial and community relationships that now exist around the India–Indonesia partnership.
For the Embassy, this kind of ecosystem creates a platform through which business diplomacy, community engagement and people-to-people relations reinforce one another.
Giving the Gathering a Social Purpose
Ambassador Chakravorty and the Embassy have also ensured that the tournament does not become merely an annual corporate networking occasion.
From its inception, each edition has been associated with a social cause. Previous tournaments have supported education for underprivileged children, environmental initiatives including river clean-ups, and traditional weaving communities in Sulawesi.
This year, that commitment focused on children undergoing cancer treatment.
The Golf Cup partnered with Yayasan Lions Indonesia to support the expansion of Rumah Singgah Lions, which provides temporary accommodation and assistance to children and families traveling from across Indonesia to Jakarta for cancer treatment.
During the gala dinner, Chakravorty presented IDR 100 million on behalf of the India–Indonesia Golf Cup to Yayasan Lions Indonesia. Participants and guests then contributed another IDR 30 million through raffle-ticket fundraising, bringing the evening’s contribution to IDR 130 million.
Yayasan Lions Indonesia representatives receiving a cheque of IDR 100 million in donation from His Excellency Sandeep Chakravorty, Ambassador of India
The beneficiary is particularly appropriate for an event built around community. Families traveling to Jakarta for a child’s cancer treatment frequently face difficulties that extend beyond medical care itself, including accommodation and the cost and disruption of spending extended periods away from home. Expanding Rumah Singgah Lions will enable more such families to receive support.
In this sense, the tournament connects two communities that might otherwise rarely meet: the corporate and diplomatic community with the families and children whose lives can be materially improved by its generosity.
Golf as a Meeting Ground
Golf nevertheless remains an important part of why the formula works.
Unlike a reception where participants may meet for only a few minutes, a golf tournament creates hours of interaction among people who may come from entirely different professional and cultural backgrounds. Government officials can play alongside entrepreneurs; diplomats can meet corporate executives; Indonesian business leaders can interact with Indian investors and professionals; and friendships can develop without the formality of a conventional business meeting.
There was plenty of competition as well. The Adani Global team won the 2026 tournament, with the other leading teams comprising Indonesian officials, business executives and members of the wider golfing community. Yet the competitive results were ultimately only one part of a day whose larger purpose was bringing people together.
The tournament was followed by an awards ceremony and gala dinner, extending those interactions from the golf course into a broader community gathering.
The Ambassador as Community Builder
The success of initiatives such as the Golf Cup also illustrates an often overlooked dimension of an ambassador’s role.
Ambassadors naturally represent governments, advance foreign policy and facilitate political and economic relations. But in countries where bilateral ties are expanding rapidly, they can also become community builders—creating spaces in which the many constituencies involved in the relationship begin interacting with one another.
Chakravorty’s tenure in Indonesia has increasingly reflected this wider conception of diplomacy. The India–Indonesia Golf Cup is one visible example because it brings together several communities simultaneously: the Embassy and Indonesian government, Indian and Indonesian businesses, the diaspora, professionals, civil society and charitable organizations.
The result is something more durable than an annual event. Each edition expands a network of people who know one another because of their connection with India and Indonesia.
And networks matter in bilateral relationships. They produce business introductions, institutional partnerships, friendships and, importantly, greater familiarity between societies.
From an Event to an Institution
After four editions, the India–Indonesia Golf Cup is beginning to acquire the characteristics of an institution rather than simply an event.
The 2026 edition filled the tournament with 144 golfers, attracted more than 300 guests, mobilized a remarkably diverse sponsor and partner ecosystem and raised IDR 130 million for children and families dealing with cancer. The Embassy credited the sponsors, partners, volunteers, Pondok Indah Golf Course, participants and event managers 3SIXTY Sports and Chairos International Ventures for helping make the tournament possible.
The fifth edition in 2027 will therefore mark more than another tournament. It will represent five years of an experiment in using sport as a vehicle for diplomacy, business networking, diaspora engagement and social responsibility.
India and Indonesia’s strategic partnership will continue to be shaped by presidents, ministers, ambassadors and major agreements. But the relationship will ultimately become stronger when it is also supported by hundreds of businesses, professionals, community organizations and ordinary people who develop their own relationships across the two countries.
That may be the India–Indonesia Golf Cup’s most important achievement. The golf brings people onto the course. The Embassy has turned that gathering into a community.
Ambassador’s Message
Speaking at the Awards Ceremony, H.E. Mr. Sandeep Chakravorty, Ambassador of India to Indonesia, said:
“The India–Indonesia Golf Cup has become much more than a sporting event. Over the past four years, it has evolved into a platform that celebrates the enduring friendship between India and Indonesia, bringing together diplomats, government officials, business leaders and members of our communities in a spirit of partnership, camaraderie and goodwill.
I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Adani team for being crowned the champions of the India–Indonesia Golf Cup 2026. Winning this prestigious trophy is a remarkable achievement and reflects the exceptional teamwork, skill and sportsmanship displayed throughout the tournament. My congratulations also go to all the winners, runners-up and every participant whose enthusiasm and competitive spirit made this year’s edition one of our most successful and memorable yet.
What makes this tournament truly special is that it serves a purpose far beyond the game itself. Since its inception in 2022, the India–Indonesia Golf Cup has proudly supported meaningful charitable initiatives, demonstrating that sport has the power to unite people while transforming lives. This year, I am especially proud that the Embassy of India, together with our sponsors and participants, is contributing IDR 100 million towards the expansion of Rumah Singgah Lions, a project by Yayasan Lions Indonesia that provides accommodation and support for children undergoing cancer treatment and their families. It is our sincere hope that this contribution will help bring comfort, hope and dignity to those who need it most.
I would like to express my deepest appreciation to all our sponsors, partners, golfers, volunteers, the organising committee and everyone who contributed to the success of this event. Your generosity and unwavering support have once again demonstrated the strength of the India–Indonesia partnership and our shared commitment to making a positive impact on society. I look forward to welcoming everyone back next year as we continue this wonderful tradition of friendship, collaboration and giving back through the India–Indonesia Golf Cup.”
Tournament Results
The championship witnessed highly competitive golf throughout the day, with outstanding performances from participants representing leading companies, diplomatic missions and organisations.
Team representing Adani Global receiving their trophy and awards from His Excellency Sandeep Chakravorty, Ambassador of India
Champions – India Indonesia Golf Cup 2026
Representing Adani Global
Players: Mr. Didik Haryadi, Mr. Raffles Panjaitan, Mr. Hadi Wijaya, & Mr. I Nyoman Suyasa
Runners-Up – India Indonesia Golf Cup 2026
Players: Brig. Gen. Pol Sigit Widodo, Brig. Gen. Pol Rosidi, Brig. Gen. Sigit Karyadi, & Laksma Nazarudin
Second Runners-Up – India Indonesia Golf Cup 2026
Players: Mr. Vikram Vardhan, Mr Noah Haji, Mr Aryan Gambhir & Mr Majid Khan.
Speaking after receiving the championship trophy, Mr. Siddharth Taparia, Global Country Head, Adani Group, congratulated the Embassy of India and the organisers on delivering another outstanding edition of the tournament
“We congratulate the Embassy of India for successfully hosting the India–Indonesia Golf Cup, and extend our appreciation to 3SIXTY Sports and Chairos for the excellent organisation of this outstanding event. The tournament provided a wonderful platform to strengthen friendships and foster closer India–Indonesia ties through sport. Our team thoroughly enjoyed the experience and was honoured to emerge as champions. We sincerely thank the organisers and all participants for making the event such a memorable success, and we look forward to returning next year.”
The Embassy of India also congratulates all novelty prize winners, lucky draw winners and every golfer whose participation contributed to the tremendous success of the tournament.
The Embassy looks forward to welcoming the India and Indonesia communities once again for the 5th edition of India–Indonesia Golf Cup in 2027, continuing this unique tradition of strengthening bilateral relations through sport while making a lasting difference to society.
Event Details
India–Indonesia Golf Cup 2026
Date: Saturday, 22 August 2026
Venue: Pondok Indah Golf Course, Jakarta
Awards Ceremony & Gala Dinner
Venue: Pondok Indah Golf Course Annexe Ballroom
Media Contact
Organising Committee
India–Indonesia Golf Cup 2026
Embassy of India, Jakarta
Prakash Vijaykumar
Email: prakash@times3sixty.com
Mobile: 0818-725274
