Four Years of Seejontor FC: Journalist Community Strengthens Bonds Through Solidarity and Social Action
Journalists’ football community Seejontor FC marked its fourth anniversary with a spirit of sharing, under the theme ‘Ramadan Fair Play, Care and Sharing’. The celebration took the form of a friendly match at Lapangan C Senayan, Gelora Bung Karno Complex (GBK), Jakarta Pusat, on Thursday, 5 March. The moment was not merely a sporting event but a venue for strengthening solidarity among journalists from various media outlets who share a passion for the round ball.
The fourth anniversary of Seejontor FC encompassed more than football. It also included social activities such as presenting donations to orphans and distributing 170 food parcels to people in need. The support was provided by Wahyu Sanjaya, a member of the Indonesian House of Representatives from Commission XI. In addition, the community received a Qur’an donation from a national television station, as a sign of support for the positive work undertaken by the journalists.
Since its formation, Seejontor FC has been known as a community that brings together reporters from different desk backgrounds. In the midst of the demanding and high-pressure routine of journalism, football has become a recreational space and a means of strengthening networking and friendship among journalists.
Seejontor FC’s Chairman, Harry Prasetya, said the four-year journey of the community is evidence that journalists’ solidarity is not only built in the newsroom but also on the green field.
‘Four years is not a short time. Seejontor FC was born from the spirit of togetherness among journalists who want to stay healthy, solid, and maintain silaturahmi through football,’ Harry said on Friday, 6 March.
He said the presence of this community provides a positive outlet for journalists to balance work and sports activities.
‘Football is a medium that unites us. On the field there are no barriers between media outlets; what exists is togetherness and sportsmanship,’ said the BolaSport journalist.
Harry hopes Seejontor FC can continue to grow by expanding its network, organising more friendly matches with various communities, and preserving the tradition of togetherness among journalists. In addition, he hopes social activities such as charity and a coaching clinic for young football players can continue as a tangible contribution to the development of sport in Indonesia. He noted that Seejontor FC has already conducted coaching clinics in various regions, including Yogyakarta and Boyolali. ‘Seejontor FC wants to keep supporting the development of football from an early age; we hope to continue supporting football schools (SSB) in various regions,’ he said.
Harry’s term as Seejontor FC Chair has ended. The baton will now be passed to Randra, a journalist from Detik. Randra emphasised his commitment to bringing new energy to the journalist football community. According to him, Seejontor FC already has a strong foundation of togetherness.
‘Going forward we want to introduce a new flavour by increasing the number of sporting, social activities, and collaborations with various communities so that Seejontor FC develops further and has a positive impact,’ he said.
At the same event, Hadi Sulistia, General Director of the Gelora Bung Karno Complex Management Centre (PPKGBK), attended Seejontor FC’s fourth anniversary. He said that media plays an important role as the window of GBK communication to the public.
‘To realise our vision, the tagline is simple: GBK for everyone. This is a space for sport as well as Jakarta’s main lungs, which must be accessible to all groups, from children to the elderly, from small traders to world leaders,’ Hadi explained.
He also stated that PPKGBK, together with the Ministry of State Secretariat of the Republic of Indonesia, is preparing the layout of Block 15 or the former Sultan Hotel area as part of efforts to strengthen GBK development. He said that PT Indobuildco must immediately vacate and return the land of former HGB No. 26/Gelora and former HGB No. 27/Gelora plus all buildings to the state.
The asset, spanning more than 13 hectares, is hoped to provide maximum public benefit and help integrate GBK’s 279-hectare area as one of the world’s largest sports venues.
‘During this holy month we ask for the support and oversight of all parties so that the asset arrangement process runs smoothly, transparently, and truly for the public interest,’ Hadi said.
He stressed that the process of transitioning ownership of the former Sultan Hotel would continue to prioritise humanitarian aspects by providing the best services to all employees, vendors, and customers. He compared this to past transformations such as the Hotel Atlet Century becoming Artotel Gelora Senayan and the JCC becoming JICC.
‘We at GBK will continue to strive to add public facilities. In the future, this area is expected to develop into a shared space for sports and non-sport activities, ranging from UMKM and street vendors to various international events,’ Hadi said.