The Banten women’s team Taekwondo Poomsae squad from Tangerang City, consisting of the trio Milda, Fatma, and Bunga, successfully completed their debut match at the 2025 National Sports Week (PON) Martial Arts in Kudus, Central Java.

In a tightly contested match, the Banten team faced the host team, Central Java.

For these three young athletes, participating in this PON has been a very memorable experience.

“This is our first PON, and this experience is truly unforgettable,” said one of the athletes, Bunga.

She is proud to represent Banten at the national level. Although facing tough opponents, the fighting spirit and dedication of the Banten team deserves praise.

They showed their best performance in every Poomsae movement displayed. Although it did not result in a medal, this match became a valuable lesson for them to continue improving their skills in the future.

The presence of Milda, Fatma, and Bunga in this national event is hoped to inspire other young Taekwondo athletes in Tangerang City and Banten Province to continue achieving.

This memorable first experience becomes valuable capital to continue pursuing the dream of becoming professional athletes at a higher level.

The team coach also gave appreciation for the struggle of the athletes. “They have given their best and we are proud to see their spirit. This is an extraordinary first step and we believe they will continue to develop,” they concluded.

The match in Kudus is real proof that sports talents in Banten continue to emerge and are ready to compete at the national level.

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Banten

Banten is a province on the island of Java, Indonesia, historically renowned for the Banten Sultanate, a powerful and cosmopolitan Islamic kingdom that was a major trading hub from the 16th to 18th centuries. Its most famous cultural site is the Grand Mosque of Banten, built in the 16th century, which features a unique multi-tiered roof and a separate, five-story minaret designed by a Chinese Muslim architect. The ruins of the Surosowan Palace and the Dutch Fort Speelwijk stand as remnants of the sultanate’s eventual decline and colonization.

Tangerang City

Tangerang City is a major industrial and manufacturing hub located in Banten Province, Indonesia, on the northwestern outskirts of Jakarta. Historically, it was a significant settlement for the Chinese Benteng community, with a history dating back to the 15th century. Today, it is known for its blend of cultures and as a key part of the Jakarta metropolitan area.

National Sports Week (PON)

National Sports Week, known as Pekan Olahraga Nasional (PON), is Indonesia’s premier multi-sport event held every four years. It was first organized in 1948 in Surakarta to unify the nation’s athletes after Indonesian independence and to select competitors for international events like the Olympics. PON remains a cornerstone of Indonesian sporting culture, rotating among host provinces to promote sports development nationwide.

Kudus

Kudus is a city on the Indonesian island of Java, renowned as a significant center for the Islamic religion and culture. It is historically famous for the Menara Kudus (Kudus Tower), a mosque minaret built in the 16th century that uniquely blends Hindu-Buddhist and Islamic architectural styles. The city’s name itself is derived from the Arabic word “Al-Quds,” meaning Jerusalem, reflecting its deep religious importance.

Central Java

Central Java is a province of Indonesia located on the island of Java, renowned as the cultural and historical heart of the country. It is home to some of Indonesia’s most significant religious monuments, including the 9th-century Borobudur, the world’s largest Buddhist temple, and the Hindu temple complex of Prambanan. For centuries, it was the center of powerful Hindu-Buddhist kingdoms and later, the influential Islamic Mataram Sultanate.