The Menpora officially opened the 2025 Menpora Cup in Ternate, welcomed the participants

The Minister of Youth and Sports (Menpora) of the Republic of Indonesia, Dito Ariotedjo, officially opened the Menpora Cup soccer tournament for the U12 and U15 categories in 2025 at Gambesi Field, Ternate City, North Maluku. The opening ceremony was attended by the Governor of North Maluku, Sherly Tjoanda Laos, who also participated in this important moment by hitting Tifa as a sign of the start of the competition.

In his remarks, the Menpora Dito stressed that the implementation of the Menpora U12 and U15 Cups will be held in 34 regions in Indonesia, with Ternate selected as a kick-off location. “I am sure that in North Maluku there are many potentials that will later be able to continue seniors in the national team,” said the Menpora, showing his confidence in the ability of young athletes in the province.

The Menpora also thanked the Governor of North Maluku for holding the 2025 Governor Cup, a tournament that also involved the early age category starting from U9. “Proactive from the region is needed to hone the potential of our children’s athletes,” said the Menpora who was accompanied by the Deputy for Sports Culture, Sri Wahyuni.

The enthusiasm of the children who participated in this tournament also became the spotlight of the Menpora. “I thank all parents who have supported and encouraged their children to actively exercise soccer,” he said. Participants from the Menpora Cup and the Governor Cup are considered part of the process of forming the history of Indonesian sports.

The Menpora exemplified the success of the Indonesian U23 Football National Team which had just won a landslide victory against Brunei with a score of 8-0. “The younger siblings are here who will have the opportunity to carry out as part of the national team,” he explained, encouraging the participants that they were entering a historic stage.

This tournament is not just a matter of winning or losing, but rather to enjoy the process, togetherness, and fighting spirit. The Menpora also took this moment to put a medal to the winners of the Governor’s Cup, adding motivation for these young athletes.

The next stages of the Menpora U12 and U15 Cup in 2025 will begin at the district/city level in July. After that, the competition will continue to the regional level in August. A total of 16 regional teams will then compete in the national series scheduled to take place in Surabaya in September.

The implementation of the Menpora Cup in Ternate is expected to be a trigger for the sustainability of football achievements in Indonesia, especially in areas that have potential. With this tournament, Kemenpora shows a commitment to support the development of sports from an early age, so that young athletes are trained and ready to face higher competition in the future.

With the support of all parties, including parents and local governments, it is hoped that this competition can print the next generation that is not only talented, but also has good character and a high spirit of competition. This event is also a forum for children to hone skills and instill discipline, responsibilities, and sportsmanship in sports.

Menpora Dito hopes that this spirit will continue to be burning among young athletes throughout Indonesia, so that the next step towards higher achievements can be achieved.