KONI-Bayan Championship II/2025 Officially Scrolling, 6,515 Athletes Compete In Samarinda

Thousands of young athletes from various regions packed the Segiri Sports Hall, Samarinda, Monday, June 30, 2025. The push of the joint button marked the start of the KONI-Bayan Championship II/2025, multi-events from the collaboration of the Central Indonesian National Sports Committee (KONI) and PT Bayan Resources Tbk.

Head of the Central KONI Lt. Gen. TNI (Ret.) Marciano Norman with the Deputy Governor of East Kalimantan Ir. Seno Aji, Commissioner of PT Bayan Resources Prof. Dr. H. Moermahadi Soerja Djanegara, East Police General (Ret.) Pradopo, General TNI (Ret.) Budiman, and East Kalimantan KONI Chairman Drs. H. Rusdiansyah Aras officially opened this grand competition.

A total of 6,515 athletes took part in four sports, namely karate with 1,800 athletes, taekwondo with 1,215 athletes, pencak silat with 1,500 athletes, and soccer with 2,000 athletes.

The karate match took place on June 30, July 2, 2025 at the Segiri Sports Hall. Then, the taekwondo branch was held on July 6, 2025, followed by pencak silat on July 8, 2025. While Football was played at the Borneo FC Training Center Field, 9 11 July 2025, and the closing ceremony was scheduled for July 12, 2025.

"KONI-Bayan Championship II/2025 is a concrete step for the development of early childhood athletes towards the Self-Defense PON in Kudus in October 2025," said the Head of the Central KONI, Marciano Norman.

He appreciated the role of parents who always supported their children in training and competing.

Marciano emphasized that the cooperation with PT Bayan Resources shows KONI's independence in the era of budget efficiency. He hopes that this event will continue.

"This competition is a reference for all regions. A strategic moment gives birth to great athletes who will fly the Red and White on the world stage."

"I want this event to be more qualified and routine so that a champion was born who brought Indonesia's name to the international level," he said.

Deputy Governor of East Kalimantan Ir. Seno Aji called KONI-Bayan Championship II/2025 a regional pride.

"Thank you to the Bayan Group for supporting the sport of East Kalimantan. Hopefully in the future the scale will increase," said Seno.

He further revealed that the increase in the number of participants compared to last year is expected to have an impact on sport tourism.

"Positive economic effects through hotels, transportation, consumption are felt by the community," he said.

Meanwhile, the Head of KONI for East Kalimantan, Rusdiansyah Aras, assessed that achievement sports always brings broad benefits.

"The positive contribution is real," he said briefly.

Commissioner of PT Bayan Resources, General TNI (Ret.) Budiman conveyed the company's commitment to supporting athlete development.

"This event is not just a place to show capabilities, but also instills the value of sportsmanship and togetherness."

"Sports have the power to shape character, unite differences, and create discipline. This is the investment of the nation's future," said Budiman.