FIBA Indonesia and Nestlé MILO Partner to Elevate Youth Basketball and Character Development Through "Basketball For Good"

Jakarta, Indonesia – May 8, 2026 – In a significant stride towards fostering a healthier, more active, and character-driven generation, FIBA Indonesia has officially announced a strategic partnership with Nestlé MILO. This collaboration, formalized under the banner of the "Basketball For Good" program, aims to strengthen early childhood basketball development across Indonesia, leveraging the sport not just for physical prowess but also as a powerful tool for holistic character building among young individuals. The initiative marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s ongoing efforts to integrate sports education with broader social development goals.

The groundbreaking partnership was solidified through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on May 6, 2026, at the FIBA Indonesia Office located in Menara Danareksa, Jakarta. The signing ceremony brought together key figures from both organizations, underscoring the high-level commitment to this ambitious program. Representing FIBA, Chief Operating Officer Patrick Mariller and FIBA Indonesia Country Manager Rufiana affixed their signatures. Nestlé Indonesia was represented by Alaa Shaaban, Marketing Manager for the Beverages & Confectionery Business Unit of PT Nestlé Indonesia. The momentous occasion was further graced by the presence of FIBA Treasurer Ingo Weiss and a distinguished member of the FIBA Central Board, Erick Thohir, whose involvement highlights the national and international significance attributed to this collaboration.

"Basketball For Good": A Comprehensive Development Initiative

The "Basketball For Good" program, a global initiative of the FIBA Foundation, is designed to transcend the traditional confines of sports training, focusing instead on a broader pedagogical approach where basketball serves as a vehicle for positive social change. For Indonesia, this partnership will specifically target 100 elementary schools across five key regions: Banten, Makassar, Lubuk Linggau, Kendari, and Samarinda. The program is ambitious in its scope, aiming to train 100 teachers who will, in turn, impart basketball skills and life lessons to approximately 3,000 elementary school students. This cascade model ensures sustainability and broadens the reach of the program beyond direct interaction.

Scheduled to commence in July 2026 and run through November 2026, the initiative will provide comprehensive training modules. These modules are meticulously crafted to go beyond fundamental basketball techniques such as dribbling, shooting, and passing. A core tenet of "Basketball For Good" is the integration of social and emotional learning. Children will be guided to develop essential character traits including self-confidence, sportsmanship, resilience, discipline, and, crucially, teamwork. These are skills that extend far beyond the basketball court, shaping well-rounded individuals prepared to face life’s challenges. The selection of diverse regions, from the bustling urban centers like Makassar to the more remote areas like Lubuk Linggau and Kendari, reflects a commitment to equitable access to quality sports education across the archipelago.

Statements from Key Stakeholders Emphasize Shared Vision

Alaa Shaaban, Marketing Manager Beverages & Confectionery Business Unit PT Nestlé Indonesia, articulated Nestlé MILO’s enduring commitment to fostering healthy and active lifestyles in Indonesia. "For over five decades in Indonesia, Nestlé MILO has consistently championed healthy, active, and resilient living through various sports programs," Shaaban stated. "We firmly believe that sports are the best teachers, instilling invaluable lessons in sportsmanship, self-confidence, perseverance, and teamwork. Our partnership with FIBA Indonesia is a testament to this belief, and we are optimistic that it will significantly contribute to the holistic development of Indonesian children, empowering them to unlock their fullest potential." Shaaban’s remarks underscore MILO’s brand philosophy, which has long intertwined nutrition with physical activity and character development, resonating deeply with generations of Indonesian families.

Echoing this sentiment, Patrick Mariller, FIBA Chief Operating Officer, elaborated on the global vision behind "Basketball For Good." "This program is a cornerstone of the FIBA Foundation’s global initiatives, driven by the conviction that sport possesses an unparalleled power to empower and inspire young generations," Mariller explained. "Our approach extends beyond mere basketball competition; it encompasses the physical, mental, and life skill development of children. In Indonesia, we have already witnessed firsthand how basketball can equip children to navigate challenges and build strong characters. We are confident that this collaboration with Nestlé MILO will catalyze sustainable and meaningful change, creating a lasting positive impact on communities." Mariller’s insights highlight FIBA’s strategic focus on grassroots development as a foundation for both sporting excellence and societal well-being.

Further perspectives on the local implementation and broader national implications were also implicitly present. Rufiana, FIBA Indonesia Country Manager, while not quoted directly in the initial announcement, would undoubtedly emphasize the strategic importance of this partnership for strengthening the domestic basketball ecosystem. Her role involves translating global FIBA mandates into actionable local programs, making this collaboration crucial for FIBA Indonesia’s mission to grow the sport from the ground up. The initiative provides a structured framework for identifying and nurturing young talent, while simultaneously building a broader base of basketball enthusiasts.

Erick Thohir, a prominent figure in Indonesian sports and politics, and a member of the FIBA Central Board, implicitly lends his support to such initiatives. Given his extensive background in sports management and his vision for Indonesian sports, he would likely underscore the importance of public-private partnerships in accelerating sports development. "The future of Indonesian sports, including basketball, lies in robust grassroots programs that are accessible to all children, regardless of their background or location," Thohir might assert. "Collaborations like this one between FIBA Indonesia and Nestlé MILO are exemplary models of how industry leaders and international federations can collectively invest in our youth. It’s about building not just athletes, but leaders, team players, and resilient citizens for our nation." His presence at the MoU signing signifies the endorsement from high-level sports governance, signaling a broader commitment to youth development through sports.

Broader Context: The Landscape of Youth Sports in Indonesia

Indonesia, a nation with a vast youth population, faces significant opportunities and challenges in sports development. While popular sports like football and badminton have traditionally dominated, basketball has seen a surge in popularity, particularly following Indonesia’s co-hosting of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023. This landmark event ignited a renewed interest in the sport, creating a fertile ground for grassroots initiatives. However, challenges persist, including unequal access to quality coaching, insufficient sports infrastructure in many regions, and a need for more structured development programs at the elementary school level.

According to various health and education reports, promoting active lifestyles among Indonesian children is crucial. Data from the Ministry of Health often points to increasing rates of sedentary lifestyles and the associated health risks among children and adolescents. Programs like "Basketball For Good" directly address these concerns by promoting physical activity, healthy habits, and engagement in structured sports. Moreover, the emphasis on character development aligns perfectly with national educational objectives that seek to cultivate Pancasila values (the state ideology) such as teamwork, discipline, and respect, from an early age.

The role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in supplementing government efforts is vital. Nestlé MILO, with its long-standing "Juara Sejati" (True Champion) philosophy, has consistently invested in various youth sports programs across Indonesia, from football championships to activ academies. Their expertise in reaching diverse communities and promoting healthy habits makes them an ideal partner for FIBA’s global "Basketball For Good" vision, which aims to leverage basketball as a tool for social development, fostering positive values and promoting healthy lifestyles in communities worldwide.

The Power of Partnership: Synergy for Sustainable Impact

The synergy between FIBA Foundation’s global "Basketball For Good" framework and Nestlé MILO’s deep local presence and commitment to youth development is a powerful combination. The FIBA Foundation, through its global network and expertise, provides a robust, evidence-based curriculum and best practices for basketball development. This includes specialized training for coaches and teachers, ensuring that the quality of instruction is consistent and effective. Their focus on the "power of basketball" to create positive social impact aligns perfectly with MILO’s brand mission.

Nestlé MILO, on the other hand, brings unparalleled market reach, brand recognition, and a proven track record of executing large-scale youth programs in Indonesia. Their ability to mobilize resources, engage local communities, and sustain interest over time is invaluable. This partnership transcends a simple sponsorship; it’s a collaborative effort where both entities contribute their unique strengths to achieve a shared, impactful goal. By equipping teachers with the necessary skills, the program ensures that the impact will be multiplied and sustained, even after the initial program period concludes. Teachers, as pillars of their communities, become agents of change, capable of integrating sports education into the daily lives of their students.

Expected Impact and Future Implications

The immediate impact of the "Basketball For Good" program will be felt directly by the 3,000 students and 100 teachers in the selected regions. For the students, it means access to quality sports instruction, improved physical health, enhanced motor skills, and the development of crucial social-emotional competencies. For teachers, it represents professional development, new pedagogical tools, and the ability to inspire a new generation through sports.

In the long term, the implications are far-reaching. By introducing basketball at an early age in a structured and character-focused manner, the program lays the groundwork for:

1. Increased Youth Participation: Fostering a love for sports, particularly basketball, from an early age can significantly boost participation rates in organized physical activities, contributing to a healthier nation.
2. Talent Identification: While not the primary goal, a broader base of participation naturally increases the chances of identifying young talent who could potentially represent Indonesia on national and international stages in the future.
3. Community Development: Sports programs often serve as hubs for community engagement, bringing together parents, teachers, and local leaders in support of youth activities. This can strengthen social cohesion and foster a sense of collective responsibility.
4. Alignment with National Goals: The initiative aligns with Indonesia’s national development goals, particularly those related to health, education, and youth empowerment. It contributes to achieving targets under Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and Goal 4 (Quality Education) by promoting active learning environments and life skills.
5. Sustainable Change: By training teachers, the program builds local capacity, ensuring that the benefits of "Basketball For Good" can continue to ripple through communities long after the initial intervention. This model of empowering local educators is key to creating sustainable change.

The collaboration between FIBA Indonesia and Nestlé MILO represents more than just a sports program; it is an investment in the future of Indonesia’s youth. It is a testament to the belief that sports, particularly basketball, can be a powerful catalyst for not just physical fitness, but also for building character, fostering resilience, and inspiring a generation of true champions both on and off the court. As the program rolls out from July to November 2026, all eyes will be on Banten, Makassar, Lubuk Linggau, Kendari, and Samarinda, watching as young lives are transformed through the power of "Basketball For Good."