The inter-university sports competition, Campus League, officially launched Season 1 with a grand event at the Thamrin Nine area in Jakarta on Monday (4/20). The arrival of this league marks the first step in building a more structured and sustainable campus sports ecosystem in Indonesia.

The CEO of Campus League stated that this competition focuses not only on matches but is also designed as a means of self-development for students active in sports.

According to him, most student athletes do not pursue careers as professional athletes. However, the experience of competing still holds important value in shaping character.

“Statistics show that 99 percent of student athletes will not become professional athletes. But they have great potential to become outstanding professionals in various sectors,” he said.

He added that sports competitions can develop various non-technical skills such as time management, discipline, teamwork, and leadership.

Grand launch of Campus League at Thamrin Nine area, Jakarta, Monday (4/20).

The launch of Campus League also received support from various parties, including the industrial sector. A director from PT Bayan Resources Tbk noted that this collaboration is important for creating a sustainable sports ecosystem, especially for young talent in the regions.

“We believe the best investment is human development. Structured competitions like this not only produce athletes but also build character and sportsmanship among the younger generation,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Commercial Director of Polytron described campus sports as a reflection of the professional world. He emphasized that strengthening infrastructure, including technology, is an important part of supporting student activities.

“Most student athletes will pursue careers outside of sports. Therefore, we want to accompany their journey, both on the field and in the academic world,” he said.

Campus League is built on three main pillars: academics, athleticism, and social affinity. These are designed to shape students who are not only physically excellent but also possess intellectual quality and social awareness.

In its development, Campus League follows a long-term roadmap divided into three phases, from building the ecosystem foundation to global expansion in 2030–2034.

This competition is also inspired by the campus sports system in the United States, which integrates education and athletic achievement.

In Season 1 of 2026, Campus League has undergone significant expansion compared to the previous season, which was only held in Jakarta and Yogyakarta.

The competition is now held in five cities: Jakarta, Samarinda, Bandung, Semarang, and Surabaya, featuring three main sports: basketball, badminton, and futsal.

The series of competitions will conclude with the UniGames event held at Pelita Harapan University (UPH), Karawaci, Tangerang. This event adopts a multi-event concept with various additional sports.

As the opener for Season 1, the Surabaya regional basketball competition will take place from April 22 to 29, 2026, at the GOR Basketball venue at Surabaya State University (Unesa).

A total of 16 men’s teams and 8 women’s teams from 17 universities are confirmed to participate. Interestingly, participants come not only from East Java but also include universities from outside the island, such as Cenderawasih University in Jayapura and Ciputra University in Makassar.

A team official from the University of Surabaya stated that his team is targeting maximum results in the regional phase.

“We have big ambitions to win at the national level. Here in Surabaya, we will fight for first place,” he said.

In the women’s sector, the competition is also predicted to be tight. A home player from Unesa acknowledged that the group she faces is quite competitive.

“There is caution because we are in a group with strong teams,” she said.

The Head of Competition for Campus League explained that there are regulatory updates this season. Each team is allowed to register one professional player and one foreign player under certain conditions.

“The goal is to provide broader playing opportunities, especially for players who get minimal playing time at clubs,” he said.

He emphasized that foreign players must be full-time active students and meet

Thamrin Nine

Thamrin Nine is a major integrated development in Jakarta, Indonesia, featuring two skyscrapers, the 64-story Autograph Tower and the 59-story Luminary Tower. Completed in 2022, the complex includes a luxury hotel, high-end retail spaces, and offices, and its construction was part of Jakarta’s ongoing urban expansion along the Thamrin-Sudirman corridor. The site reflects Indonesia’s modern economic growth, with Autograph Tower being one of the tallest buildings in the Southern Hemisphere.

Jakarta

Jakarta is the capital and largest city of Indonesia, located on the northwest coast of Java. Originally a small port town called Sunda Kelapa, it was renamed Jayakarta in the 16th century before becoming Batavia under Dutch colonial rule, serving as the center of the Dutch East Indies. After Indonesia’s independence, it was renamed Jakarta and has since grown into a bustling metropolis known for its blend of cultures, historic old town, and modern skyline.

Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta is a city on the Indonesian island of Java, renowned as a center of classical Javanese arts and culture. Historically, it served as the capital of the Sultanate of Yogyakarta, which played a key role in Indonesia’s struggle for independence, and the city remains a special administrative region with its own sultan. It is also the gateway to the nearby 9th-century Buddhist temple of Borobudur and the Hindu temple complex of Prambanan, both UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Samarinda

Samarinda is the capital city of East Kalimantan, Indonesia, located along the Mahakam River. Historically, it grew as a major trading and administrative center during the Dutch colonial era, particularly for the coal and timber industries. Today, it is known for its iconic Mahakam River bridges, floating markets, and cultural diversity, including the traditional Dayak and Kutai influences.

Bandung

Bandung, the capital of West Java, Indonesia, is a city known for its cool climate, colonial architecture, and vibrant arts scene. Established in the early 20th century under Dutch rule, it earned the nickname “Paris of Java” for its European-style boulevards and cafes. Historically, Bandung is also famous for hosting the 1955 Asia-Africa Conference, a landmark event in the Non-Aligned Movement.

Semarang

Semarang is the capital of Central Java, Indonesia, and a major port city with a rich history shaped by Dutch colonial rule, Chinese immigration, and Javanese culture. Its Old Town, known as Kota Lama, features well-preserved 18th-century Dutch architecture, while landmarks like the Sam Poo Kong temple reflect the legacy of Chinese admiral Zheng He. Today, Semarang blends this multicultural heritage with modern urban development, making it a vibrant center for trade and tourism.

Surabaya

Surabaya is Indonesia’s second-largest city and the capital of East Java, known historically as a major port and trading hub. It played a pivotal role in the Indonesian National Revolution, most famously during the Battle of Surabaya in 1945, which became a symbol of national resistance against colonial forces. Today, the city blends its rich colonial and maritime heritage with a vibrant, modern urban culture.

Pelita Harapan University (UPH)

Pelita Harapan University (UPH) is a private Christian university located in Tangerang, Indonesia, founded in 1994 by the Mochtar Riady family. It was established with a vision to provide holistic, values-based education integrating academic excellence and Christian faith. Over the years, UPH has grown into a prominent institution known for its modern campus, diverse programs, and contributions to higher education in Indonesia.