Soekarno Cup 2026 Final Raises Funds for NTT Earthquake Victims
The Soekarno Cup 2026 final was not only a stage for emerging national football talent but also a moment to strengthen the spirit of gotong royong (mutual assistance). The tournament series, initiated by Prananda Prabowo and involving 400 young players from 16 provinces, concluded with the handover of humanitarian aid funds for earthquake victims in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).
Chairman of the Soekarno Cup National Committee, Komarudin Watubun, said the funds were raised through a collective fundraising movement involving various parties during the tournament. The handover of funds was an important part of the tournament’s closing, reinforcing that football is not solely about matches, victories, and achievements.
“The Soekarno Cup, which has been held regularly since 2023 in Jakarta, 2025 in Bali, 2026 in East Java, and will continue in the future, is intended to seek grassroots young talent from across the country while building the character of the younger generation so that football becomes a unifying force that benefits society,” said Komarudin before the final match at Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium in Surabaya on Monday (24/8).
The 2026 Soekarno Cup final pitted Banteng Jabar U-17 against Banteng Bali U-17, while the third-place play-off saw Banteng Jatim U-17 face Banteng Papua U-17.
He stressed that the solidarity fundraising for NTT was a tangible form of the gotong royong spirit. Its value is measured not only by the amount of money collected but by the message that a sense of shared destiny must continue to grow among the younger generation.
“When our brothers and sisters in NTT experience disaster, we must all feel called to help. This is the true meaning of gotong royong — together lightening the burden of our fellow citizens without regard to regional or background differences,” he said.
Soekarno Cup spokesperson and Indonesian national team legend Anang Maruf said the combination of football development and humanitarian action sends an important message to young players. According to the former national team right-back, the 400 players from 16 provinces who took part in the Soekarno Cup did not only carry dreams of becoming professional footballers. They also learned about what it means to be part of a larger society and nation.
“These children learn that being a football player is not only about technical ability. There are values of responsibility, brotherhood, and care. When they participate in helping earthquake victims in NTT, they are learning to become true Indonesians,” said Anang.
He added that the football pitch has proven to be a powerful means of uniting the diversity of children from across the regions. “From 16 provinces they come as regional children, but on the pitch they become one as Indonesian children. The same spirit is then carried off the pitch through this humanitarian action.”
“The Soekarno Cup positions football as a space for character building. Competition becomes a means for the younger generation to learn about sportsmanship, discipline, unity, and social concern,” he continued.