BALI. The excitement for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in US, Mexico and Canada, is beginning to resonate among young people in Indonesia. As part of the build-up to this global football spectacle, an event titled "Bola Gembira Goes to Campus or Happy Soccer Goes to Campus" was held at Jakarta State University, last week. this initiative underscored TVRI’s role as an official broadcaster of World Cup 2026 dedicated to building excitement for the World Cup 2026.
What makes this event even more interesting is the spirit of cross-industry collaboration that was evident throughout. The Bali Fashion in New York program, spearheaded by The Bali In Your Hands and The Creative Talk New York, lent its support by providing outfits from the fashion brand Big Boy Looks Good, a personal collection from Bali In Your Hands. This partnership also brought in fresh creative ideas that enriched the event's development. It's a testament to how fashion, media, and sports are increasingly intertwined in fostering the creativity of Indonesia's youth as they aim for a global stage.
The Bola Gembira or Happy Soccer program was designed as a fun and engaging way to drum up anticipation for the world’s biggest football celebration in 2026. Beyond merely discussing matches and athletes, it aimed to broaden students’ understanding of potential careers in the sports and broadcasting industries. During the event’s talk show session, expert speakers shared insights into how Indonesia’s sports broadcasting sector is becoming increasingly dynamic, especially with the World Cup just around the corner. They emphasized that the sports industry isn’t just looking for athletes anymore, it now demands a wide range of talents, from sports journalists and commentators to content creators and football analysts.
One of the highlights of the event was the "Commentator Challenge", which drew enthusiastic participation from students. In this segment, contestants had one minute to showcase their spontaneous football commentary skills. The challenge provided not only a source of entertainment but also a space for young talents to explore their passion for the sport and media entertainment industry. The energetic atmosphere was heightened by cheers and applause from the audience, recreating the vibes of a live sports studio. Winners of the challenge were recognized with prizes and applause from attendees and organizers alike. More than just a fun event, The Happy Soccer Goes to Campus demonstrated how national media platforms like Television Republic of Indonesia (TVRI) are proactively engaging with university students. With initiatives like these, football fever is set not only to inspire but also to empower Indonesia’s younger generation for years to come.
Written by Myrna Soeryo from Bali In Your Hand.