Kupang Mayor Proposes Collaboration House for Young Generation
Kupang Mayor Christian Widodo has initiated the formation of a collaboration house for the young generation as a platform to gather, discuss, exchange ideas, and build cross-community networks in Kupang City, East Nusa Tenggara. The idea was conveyed during an audience with the Management of the Indonesian Islamic Student Movement (PMII) Kupang Branch on Monday (22/6).
During the meeting, the mayor, accompanied by the Head of the Protocol and Communication Section of the Kupang City Regional Secretariat, Elia Carolina Tiara, expressed full support for the implementation of the Advanced Cadre Training (PKL) and Branch Instructor Training (PIC) of PMII Kupang Branch, scheduled for 1–7 July 2026. The national-level cadre development activity will be attended by participants from various regions across Indonesia.
‘In principle, the Kupang City Government is always ready and open to support youth activities. For this event, I am ready to attend,’ said Christian Widodo.
In the warm dialogue, the mayor also responded to various ideas presented by PMII regarding youth development in Kupang City. One proposal that received special attention was the establishment of a collaborative platform for young people as a space to meet, discuss, exchange ideas, and build networks across organisations and communities.
According to him, a youth collaboration house does not necessarily have to be realised through the construction of a new building. The most important aspect is the availability of a space that can be utilised together by various youth elements to develop creativity, convey aspirations, and generate innovative ideas.
‘A youth house does not always have to be in the form of a new building. The most important thing is the existence of a space for young people to gather, discuss, convey aspirations, share experiences, and produce creative ideas. We can utilise existing spaces in the mayor’s office, official residence, or other government facilities,’ he stated.
He added that the idea would soon be coordinated with relevant regional agencies, particularly the Kupang City Youth and Sports Office, so that it can become an inclusive and sustainable collaborative platform for all youth organisations and communities in Kupang City.
In addition to discussing youth development, Christian Widodo, who also serves as General Chairman of the Indonesian National Sports Committee (KONI) of Kupang City, affirmed his commitment to strengthening elite sports development ahead of the XXII National Games (PON) in 2028, which will be held in East Nusa Tenggara and West Nusa Tenggara.
According to him, the Kupang City Government together with KONI continues to strive to increase support for sports branches through the provision of training facilities and infrastructure, meeting athletes’ needs, and ensuring sustainable coaching.
‘We want Kupang City athletes to have equal opportunities to develop and achieve excellence. Therefore, coaching must be carried out seriously and sustainably, especially as we are approaching PON XXII in 2028, which will be a historic moment for East Nusa Tenggara,’ he said.
Meanwhile, PMII Kupang Branch representative Farqhih Pradana expressed appreciation for the support provided by the Kupang City Government towards PMII’s national cadre development agenda and the various youth development ideas discussed during the audience.
According to Farqhih, the PKL and PIC activities are strategic forums to produce PMII cadres with leadership capacity, national insight, and the ability to become agents of change within society.
‘We see that the Kupang City Government has great attention towards youth development. This support provides positive energy for us to continue contributing to regional development through youth movements, cadre education, and various social and community activities,’ he said.