Three in the Morning in Sebatik: World Cup Final Unites Border Community

The clock had just struck 3 a.m. Central Indonesian Time when the front yard of the Rumah Dua Negara in Sebatik, North Kalimantan, began to fill with residents. Dozens of plastic chairs were arranged, and scores of eyes were fixed on two large screens despite the lingering drowsiness.

Children, teenagers, parents, and community leaders gathered. Some wore thick jackets, while others clutched hot cups of coffee to ward off sleep. Many came with their families. For them, this early morning was not just about witnessing a new chapter in world football history, but also a rare moment of togetherness.

Cheers erupted as the master of ceremonies appeared before the screen. Children’s laughter punctuated the rows of chairs, while parents sought the best positions to watch the match comfortably. This communal viewing of the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina was organised by the national news agency ANTARA as part of an effort to provide a shared experience for communities in border areas. Despite being far from urban centres, the residents of Sebatik could feel the World Cup atmosphere with joy and enthusiasm equal to audiences elsewhere.

Perum LKBN ANTARA’s President Director, Benny Siga Butarbutar, who attended the event, stated that the communal viewing served as both entertainment and a source of happiness for all Indonesians, including those living in border regions. This spirit aligns with President Prabowo Subianto’s directive that the excitement of the World Cup should be felt by everyone without exception, while also inspiring Indonesian children. “The President wants people in border areas to have the same opportunity to enjoy the World Cup. This joy belongs to all Indonesian people,” Benny said in his speech.

For the residents of Central Sebatik, this communal viewing was a new experience since the sub-district was established. ANTARA’s presence transformed the early morning hours into a gathering space that strengthened community bonds. With every dangerous attack launched by either team, all eyes were instantly glued to the screen. In those seconds, the audience collectively held their breath, waiting to see how each chance would unfold.

Throughout the match, there were no signs of tired faces. Coffee, hot tea, and snacks were passed among the spectators. Light conversation about the game warmed the atmosphere, making the cold dawn and creeping drowsiness feel insignificant. The atmosphere grew more intimate as time moved towards morning. The chairs provided could no longer accommodate the residents arriving from all directions, especially since the viewing location was at the heart of Central Sebatik’s community activities.

For the children present, watching the world’s best players in action was more than just entertainment. In front of the big screen, their imaginations about the future grew—dreams of becoming footballers, achieving greatness, or one day performing on the world stage.

Slowly, the call to Subuh prayer echoed faintly. Some residents left to perform their prayers at home or at the mosque, while others chose to pray at the Rumah Dua Negara. Shortly after, they returned to fill the seats they had left behind. Just as the match between Spain and Argentina seemed destined for a penalty shootout, Spanish player Ferran Torres suddenly changed the mood. His goal against Argentina instantly shattered the tension and sent the viewing area into an uproar. Some residents jumped up to celebrate the goal, while others slumped in disbelief. One child even took off his shirt and ran around in celebration.

The final whistle eventually blew, confirming Spain’s victory in this edition of the World Cup. Residents began to leave the venue with faces full of stories. Some continued discussing the match, while others hurried home to rest after a long night with football.

For this communal viewing, ANTARA, as the organiser, not only provided projectors, tents, and large screens. Micro, small, and medium enterprises were also involved to enliven the atmosphere and directly benefit economically from the event. They offered a variety of food and drinks, from steamed snacks, fried foods, coffee, and tea to the local Sebatik soto, which residents could enjoy for free. A cup of hot coffee and simple snacks became loyal companions for the spectators who stayed until the match ended.

Benny Siga Butarbutar said the event was not only designed as an entertainment space for the community but was also expected to provide direct economic benefits to local residents. The communal viewing thus became more than just a football match screening. It demonstrated that geographical distance is not a barrier to providing equal experiences for all citizens. In a region directly bordering Malaysia, the large screen that lit up into the early hours became a symbol that the state’s attention can manifest in various forms, including through a simple shared space. In the end, residents went home carrying more than just memories of the match result. They carried stories of a dawn when football united the community, eroded the feeling of being far from the nation’s centre, and reminded them that joy can reach even the outermost veranda of the country.