SEMARANG, Indonesia (September 19, 2025) – Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP), along with seven other universities in Jawa Tengah and with support from the Jawa Tengah provincial government, officially opened the 19th National Student Sports Week (POMNAS XIX) 2025 on Friday, September 19, 2025, at Muladi Dome, UNDIP’s multipurpose hall in Tembalang. A total of 455 contingents from universities, academies, institutes, polytechnics, and colleges are competing in the prestigious event, which will take place from September 19 to 27, 2025, in the cities of Semarang and Surakarta. In addition to UNDIP, the seven other host universities are Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS), Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES), Universitas Dian Nuswantoro (UDINUS), Universitas PGRI Semarang (UPGRIS), Universitas Wahid Hasyim (UNWAHAS), Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS), and Universitas Muhammadiyah Semarang (UNIMUS).
Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Prof. Brian Yuliarto, S.T., M.Eng., Ph.D., expressed his highest appreciation to UNDIP and all parties who supported the event.
He emphasized that POMNAS XIX Jawa Tengah is more than just a competition; it is also a platform to build character, sportsmanship, and unity among Indonesian students. Through this competition, we hope to see the rise of outstanding athletes who excel nationally and internationally, while staying true to their academic identity. With the spirit of sportsmanship, brotherhood, and national pride, let us make POMNAS XIX in Jawa Tengah a success,” Minister Brian said.
Governor of Jawa Tengah, Komjen Pol (Purn) Drs. Ahmad Luthfi, S.H., S.St.M.K., welcomed contingents from across Indonesia, underlining that, “POMNAS fosters not only competition but also friendship and unity across Indonesia.” He encouraged students to keep striving, achieving, and making a positive impact on society.
UNDIP was appointed as the coordinator among the eight universities hosting the event. Seventeen sports are being contested, including athletics, basketball, indoor volleyball, beach volleyball, badminton, chess, karate, archery, rock climbing, pencak silat, petanque, swimming, sepak takraw, taekwondo, tarung derajat, tennis, and wushu. Four exhibition sports are also featured: kabaddi, pickleball, roller skating, and woodball.
UNDIP Rector Prof. Dr. Suharnomo, S.E., M.Si., welcomed the athletes and extended full support. Being both a student and an accomplished athlete is a challenging endeavor. Keep your spirit high and uphold sportsmanship,” he said.
Furthermore, Prof. Suharnomo stated, “POMNAS also serves as a joyful space for student expression and a means of strengthening bonds among students nationwide. He noted that UNDIP and the other universities in Jawa Tengah had prepared venues, accommodations, and services to ensure a positive and comfortable experience for athletes, officials, and guests.”
Prof. Dr.rer.nat. Ir. Heru Susanto, S.T., M.M., M.T., UNDIP Vice-Rector for Academic and Student Affairs and General Chair of the POMNAS XIX 2025 Organizing Committee, thanked the Jawa Tengah Provincial Government and partner universities for forming the committee, which included university leaders, BAPOMI Jawa Tengah, faculty, students, partners, and the private sector.
The opening ceremony featured the grand performance of Tari Kridha Yudha Adighana, a collaborative dance by lecturers and students of UNNES, symbolizing the spirit of dynamic competition and the unifying power of sports. The atmosphere grew livelier with creative performances from UNDIP’s award-winning students, followed by a spirited musical performance by rising star Keisya Levronka, who entertained guests with high-energy songs celebrating togetherness.
With the spirit of sportsmanship and friendship, the POMNAS XIX 2025 Organizing Committee called on all parties to support the success of POMNAS XIX 2025. Move, Achieve, Make an Impact! (Public Communication/ UNDIP/ Ut & DHW)