Jakarta –
Judo athletes from North Sumatra traveled by ship to the National Student Judo Championship in Ciloto, West Java, due to lack of funding, and the North Sumatra Youth and Sports Agency (Dispora) reportedly did not respond. North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution stated he had not received any report about the matter.
The chairman of the North Sumatra Indonesian Judo Association (PJSI), Muhammad Arief Fadhillah, said that North Sumatra’s Judo athletes won 4 medals at the National Student Judo Championship in Ciloto, West Java. However, the athletes had to travel by ship for several days due to budget constraints.
“We were self-funded for the round trip by ship, and we won 3 silver and 1 bronze medals. We hope that at the upcoming National Student Sports Week (Popnas), those who won silver can aim for gold,” said Muhammad Arief Fadhillah.
Arief explained that they transported 12 athletes by ship, a journey lasting approximately 4 days and 3 nights to Jakarta.
“They even trained on the ship during the 4-day, 3-night trip aboard the Kelud. Of course, this drained their stamina and affected their preparation, as they had to follow the ship’s schedule, unlike flying. We arrived on Friday, and the competition was on Tuesday,” he said.
Arief revealed that they had sent a funding request letter to the North Sumatra Dispora but had yet to receive a response. He mentioned that the athletes’ travel expenses were covered only by the provincial PJSI and the athletes’ families.
“Since January, we have received no assistance from Dispora or KONI. The funding was independent, from the provincial PJSI and the athletes’ parents—mostly junior high school students—who could only provide partial support,” Arief said.
“We didn’t ask Dispora for full funding—just some assistance to ease the burden. But even after sending letters, there was no reply,” he added.
Given these circumstances, he hopes Dispora and KONI will pay more attention to athletes’ welfare, especially in North Sumatra. He also expressed doubts about achieving high performance if such conditions persist.
“If the goal is to repeat the top-five achievement at PON, but the situation remains like this, then expectations should be low,” he said.
Bobby’s Response on Lack of Attention for Judo Athletes. Read Next Page…
National Student Judo Championship
The **National Student Judo Championship** is an annual competition in which university and college students across the country compete in judo, a traditional Japanese martial art. Established to promote physical fitness, discipline, and sportsmanship among students, the championship has grown into a prestigious event showcasing young talent in the sport. Its history reflects the broader popularity of judo in academic institutions as both a competitive and character-building activity.
Ciloto
Ciloto is a scenic mountainous area in West Java, Indonesia, known for its cool climate, tea plantations, and lush landscapes. Historically, it was developed during the Dutch colonial era in the 19th century as a hill station and tea-growing region. Today, it is a popular destination for hiking, relaxation, and enjoying panoramic views of the Puncak highlands.
West Java
West Java, a province in Indonesia, is known for its vibrant Sundanese culture, lush landscapes, and volcanic mountains like Tangkuban Perahu. Historically, it was part of the Sunda Kingdom and later the Dutch colonial empire, leaving a mix of traditional and colonial influences. Today, it’s a popular destination for its tea plantations, hot springs, and cultural attractions such as the ancient temple of Cangkuang.
North Sumatra Youth and Sports Agency (Dispora)
The **North Sumatra Youth and Sports Agency (Dispora)** is a government body responsible for promoting youth development and sports activities in North Sumatra, Indonesia. Established to foster talent, health, and community engagement, it organizes programs, competitions, and training to support local athletes and youth empowerment. While its exact founding date is unclear, it operates under the provincial government’s efforts to enhance social and physical well-being.
North Sumatra Indonesian Judo Association (PJSI)
The North Sumatra Indonesian Judo Association (PJSI) is a regional branch of the Indonesian Judo Federation, promoting and developing judo in North Sumatra. Established to train athletes and organize competitions, it plays a key role in fostering martial arts culture and preparing local judokas for national and international events. The association also upholds the values of discipline and sportsmanship inherent in judo.
National Student Sports Week (Popnas)
**National Student Sports Week (Pekan Olahraga Nasional Mahasiswa or Popnas)** is an annual multi-sport event in Indonesia, organized by the Ministry of Education and Culture, that brings together university students from across the country. Established to promote sportsmanship, talent development, and national unity among students, Popnas features competitions in various sports, similar to a collegiate Olympics. The event also serves as a platform for selecting athletes to represent Indonesia in international university sports competitions.
Kelud
Kelud (or Kelut) is an active stratovolcano located in East Java, Indonesia, known for its frequent and destructive eruptions. Historically, it has erupted over 30 times since the year 1000, with its most deadly eruption in 1919 killing around 5,000 people. Today, the volcano is monitored closely, and its crater lake has been artificially drained to reduce eruption risks. The surrounding area features lush landscapes and is a significant geological and cultural site in Java.
KONI
It appears there might be some confusion regarding “KONI” as a cultural or historical site. If you are referring to **Konya, Turkey**, it is a major city known for its rich history as the home of the Sufi mystic Rumi and the Whirling Dervishes. It was also the capital of the Seljuk Sultanate of Rum in the 12th–13th centuries and features landmarks like the Mevlana Museum.
If you meant a different “KONI,” please provide more details so I can assist accurately!