SEMARANG, Indonesia (September 21, 2025) – The 19th National Student Sports Week (POMNAS XIX) Jawa Tengah 2025 officially kicked off with a spirited atmosphere. Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) marked a milestone by hosting the opening matches at the Prof. Dr. dr. Susilo Wibowo, M.S.Med., Sp.And(K) Basketball Arena on Saturday, September 20, 2025.
The inaugural games at the arena reflected UNDIP’s commitment to providing world-class sports facilities. The venue enhances campus infrastructure while becoming a source of pride for the university community.
From morning until night, the arena roared with cheers from spectators witnessing the first basketball matches of POMNAS XIX Jawa Tengah 2025. Five games were held on Saturday:
- Men’s Team (11 a.m.): Riau vs. Sulawesi Selatan
- Men’s Team (1 p.m.): Jawa Timur vs. Papua
- Men’s Team (3 p.m.): Jakarta vs. Jawa Barat
- Women’s Team (5 p.m.): Jawa Tengah vs. Jawa Timur
- Men’s Team (7 p.m.): Jawa Tengah vs. Bali
The last two games drew special attention as they featured teams from Jawa Tengah. The women’s team fought hard but narrowly lost to the Jawa Timur team, 61–63. Despite the defeat, their spirited performance was seen as valuable preparation for upcoming matches.
In the closing game, Jawa Tengah’s men’s team impressed the crowd with a convincing 74–60 victory over Bali. Boosted by strong support from home fans, the win strengthened the host’s confidence for the next rounds.
The Susilo Wibowo Basketball Arena was inaugurated on September 1, 2023, by Prof. Dr. Yos Johan Utama, S.H., M.Hum., UNDIP Rector from 2019 to 2024. Since then, it has become a new icon of UNDIP’s Tembalang campus. With its modern design and capacity, the arena is expected to host events ranging from local to international levels.
Located east of UNDIP Stadium and adjacent to the university reservoir, the arena serves not only as a sports facility but also as a tribute to Prof. Susilo Wibowo, the Rector of UNDIP from 2006 to 2010. His name was eternalized to honor his significant contributions in advancing education and strengthening UNDIP’s infrastructure.
Built to international standards, the arena follows regulations set by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA). The court measures 28 meters in length and 15 meters in width, with a 3.6-meter center circle and a 6.75-meter three-point line. Its grade A local hardwood flooring meets FIBA certification, proving the quality of Indonesian products at the global level.
The arena’s lighting was carefully designed to meet professional requirements, ensuring suitability for training, video documentation, and live broadcasts. This qualification makes the facility not only ready for national competitions but also promising for international events.
Another highlight is the spectator stands, which can accommodate up to 900 people. The arena offers students, athletes, and the public an enhanced experience to enjoy games comfortably and up close.
With these achievements, the Prof. Susilo Wibowo Basketball Arena stands not only as a sports venue but also as a symbol of unity, sportsmanship, and the perseverance of Indonesian students. UNDIP reaffirmed its commitment to advancing student sports excellence with international-class facilities, in line with its vision of “Noble and Valuable UNDIP.” (Public Communication/ UNDIP/ DHW)
