UNDIP, Semarang (30/5) – Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) hosted the“International Student Fun Match Football 2026”, a friendly football match that brought together international students receiving Indonesian Government scholarships from Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) and Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta. The event was held at the Stadium of Universitas Diponegoro in Tembalang, Semarang.
The match served as a platform to strengthen friendships, expand networks among international students, and promote cross-cultural interaction within Indonesian higher education institutions. The participating students were recipients of various Indonesian Government scholarship programs, including the Developing Countries Partnership Scholarship (KNB Scholarship), and came from several countries across Asia and Africa.
“The international students we invited to the Stadium of Universitas Diponegoro are recipients of advanced study scholarships from various developing countries in Asia and Africa,” said Pulung Widhi Hari Hananto, Deputy Director for Global Partnerships at UNDIP’s Directorate of Reputation, Partnerships, and Global Connectivity.
Pulung explained that the scholarship programs not only support the development of human resources in developing countries but also strengthen the promotion of Indonesian culture and foster international friendship.
In addition to KNB scholarship recipients, the event was attended by international students from other scholarship programs who participated as supporters and spectators.
“Not only did KNB scholarship recipients attend this event; students from non-KNB scholarship programs were also present as supporters, providing moral encouragement,” Pulung added.
Abdul Rohman, Manager of Global Reputation and Partnerships at UNDIP, stated that the event involved international students from 16 countries, particularly from Africa and South Asia.
“Especially from African and South Asian countries such as Zambia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, India, Pakistan, and many others,” he explained.
He further emphasized that the friendly match provided a positive platform for fostering solidarity, sportsmanship, and a sense of togetherness among international students studying in Indonesia.
The match was played in a warm and enthusiastic atmosphere, emphasizing friendship and fair play. In the game, the UNDIP international student team secured a convincing 5–0 victory over the UNS international student team.
One participant, Saleh Nasamou Wantigli from Libya, expressed his appreciation for the event. He said he was delighted to have the opportunity to exercise and build friendships with fellow international students from various countries while pursuing his studies in Indonesia.
Through initiatives such as this, UNDIP continues to strengthen its commitment to creating an inclusive campus environment, supporting the internationalization of higher education, and fostering friendship among nations through both academic and non-academic activities. (Public Communication/UNDIP/Pulung Widhi, edited by Nurul)