Johni Asadoma and Daud Yordan Hold Charity Bout for Flores Earthquake Victims
Indonesian boxing legend and East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Deputy Governor Johni Asadoma, together with professional boxer Daud Yordan, entered the ring in an emotional charity bout on Sunday evening (16/8). The match was held specifically to raise solidarity and assistance for the people of Flores affected by the earthquake disaster.
The charity bout was part of the NTT Youth and Children’s Open Boxing Sparring series, which also coincided with the Development Exhibition in the context of the 81st Anniversary of Indonesian Independence. The activity was a concrete manifestation of the ‘NTT Cares for Flores Earthquake’ movement.
In addition to the appearance of Johni and Daud, the event was also enlivened by performances from a number of young NTT boxers being prepared for the 2028 PON NTT-NTB, such as Alex Aldiste, Eman Maubere, and Jeriko Daud.
Before the bell rang, Johni Asadoma invited all spectators present to provide moral and material support to the people of Flores. He emphasised that their presence that evening was a form of collective empathy for the suffering of others.
‘We are here to show our solidarity, to share in the suffering of our brothers and sisters in Flores. We are all mourning and grieving. Our hearts are also mourning and sympathising with our brothers and sisters in Flores,’ said Johni with emotion.
He added that the match was not merely a sporting event, but an instrument of humanity. Johni also led a moment of silence to pray for the victims, asking that they be given strength and swift recovery.
The match between Johni Asadoma and Daud Yordan lasted two rounds in an atmosphere full of spirit while still upholding sportsmanship. A surprise occurred in the first round when Daud Yordan fell after being hit by Johni.
Despite falling, Daud immediately rose with a smile, which was met with thunderous applause from the audience. The atmosphere of the match remained warm until the end, proving that sport can be a unifying force and strengthen solidarity in difficult times. After the bout, Daud Yordan also called on the public to donate to the people of Flores.
The 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck NTT caused significant impacts, including both fatalities and injuries.