UNDIP, Semarang (September 20, 2025) – The 19th National Student Sports Week (POMNAS XIX) 2025 has once again become a key moment for Indonesian students to show their achievements. For Prof. Dr.rer.nat. Ir. Heru Susanto, S.T., M.M., M.T., Vice Rector for Academic and Student Affairs at Universitas Diponegoro and Chair of the POMNAS XIX Organizing Committee, notes that the event is about more than winning medals.
In his official report during the opening ceremony at UNDIP’s Muladi Dome on Friday, September 19, 2025, Prof. Heru emphasized the event’s theme, “Move, Achieve, Make an Impact.” He said the theme reflects students’ spirit of boundless sportsmanship and perseverance, while also strengthening character to weave national unity. He emphasized that POMNAS should be an integral part of efforts to create impactful and socially beneficial campuses.
Speaking in a post-event interview, Prof. Heru reiterated that POMNAS is not merely about competing for medals but also about shaping student character. “POMNAS is an arena for students to express themselves and achieve excellence. But more importantly, it is about sportsmanship, honesty, and collaboration,” he said. He added that student athletics should serve as a platform to cultivate noble values that shape the nation’s young generation.
POMNAS XIX Jawa Tengah 2025 features 17 main sports and four exhibition sports, with contingents from 36 provinces. A total of 365 athletes, 1,091 officials, and 1,234 delegates are participating, with Jawa Tengah fielding the largest contingent of 329 athletes from both public and private universities.
Prof. Heru also expressed optimism for the Jawa Tengah team. “We want success not only as hosts but also in achievements. Last year, Jawa Tengah consistently ranked second. This year, we hope to do even better, or at least maintain that position,” he said.
He explained that preparations were carried out collaboratively by universities across Jawa Tengah to present their best athletes. UNDIP, he added, is firmly committed to student development and fully prepared to ensure the success of POMNAS XIX Jawa Tengah 2025.
Prof. Heru extended his gratitude to the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, the Jawa Tengah Provincial Government, university rectors, and corporate sponsors, including Bank Jateng, BTN, and BSI, for their support. He also acknowledged the contributions of the organizing committee, technical delegates, and contingents from 36 provinces.
Closing his speech, Prof. Heru delivered a special message to the athletes. “Good luck competing. Keep your motivation and sportsmanship strong. May POMNAS XIX Jawa Tengah 2025 not only produce achievements but also strengthen student unity across Indonesia,” he said.
With its spirit of sportsmanship, solidarity, and achievement, POMNAS XIX Jawa Tengah 2025 is expected to produce outstanding athletes while standing as a symbol of resilient, high-integrity Indonesian students ready to face global challenges. (Public Communication/ UNDIP/ DHW)