The rhythmic thud of a futsal ball against the wooden floor echoed through GOR Cenderawasih in Jayapura. The stands were a sea of colors—students in their school jerseys, teachers cheering with handmade banners, and parents craning their necks to catch a glimpse of their sons battling on the court. It was not just another inter-school tournament. For the sixteen high schools from across Papua that had gathered that October afternoon, the MyPertamina Futsal Competition 2025 symbolized something deeper: a platform where dreams were given space to move, run, and score.
Organized by Pertamina Patra Niaga Regional Papua Maluku, this competition wasn’t only about futsal—it was a celebration of youth, passion, and opportunity. The event brought together students from Jayapura, Sorong, Biak, and Merauke, each representing different corners of Papua, each with their own stories of struggle and pride. For a province often associated with its vast resources and complex challenges, the sound of whistles and laughter at the MyPertamina Futsal arena was a refreshing reminder of what unites Papuans: resilience and raw talent.
The Vision Behind the Competition
According to Awan Raharjo, Executive General Manager of Pertamina Patra Niaga Papua Maluku, the futsal competition is part of Pertamina’s broader mission to empower young people and build positive community engagement through sports and education. Beyond promoting the MyPertamina app, the tournament aims to encourage teamwork, discipline, and healthy competition among students—values essential for both sports and life. “Papua’s youth hold tremendous potential,” Awan remarked during the opening ceremony. “Through this event, we hope to give them a stage to express themselves and discover talents that might otherwise remain unseen.”
Pertamina’s initiative reflects a growing awareness that youth development in Papua cannot rely solely on classroom education. Many of the region’s young people are deeply passionate about sports, particularly futsal and football, which are integral parts of school life and local identity. By tapping into that passion, Pertamina not only strengthens community ties but also connects its brand to the optimism of the next generation.
What made this competition stand out was its dual purpose—not just nurturing athletic ability, but also introducing participants to digital engagement. Every participating school was required to activate the MyPertamina app, encouraging students to explore technology and modernize their understanding of financial transactions, loyalty programs, and digital literacy. In the words of Riki Madyanto, the Papua-Maluku Sales Area Manager, “We want the younger generation to see that sports, education, and technology can move forward together.”
Sixteen Schools, One Papua
The 2025 edition of the MyPertamina Futsal Competition brought together 16 high schools—a mix of city-based institutions and schools from more remote districts. Teams like SMAN 1 Jayapura, SMAN 4 Jayapura, and SMK YPK Merauke stood shoulder to shoulder with lesser-known schools from Biak and Sorong, proving that Papua’s talent is not confined to one region. For some players, this was their first trip outside their hometowns, and stepping onto the polished court in Jayapura was nothing short of a dream.
Each school sent a team of young athletes—mostly 16 to 18 years old—who had been training for weeks under their physical education teachers. The competition’s atmosphere was electric: whistles cutting through the air, sneakers squeaking against the floor, and supporters chanting rhythmic songs. When SMAN 1 Jayapura faced SMAN 4 Jayapura in an intense early round, the crowd erupted. The game ended 3–1, but the energy in the room made both teams feel victorious.
Yet, beyond the scoreboard, the competition carried an emotional weight. For many students, this was the first time their skills were showcased under bright lights, with cameras rolling and reporters watching. Coaches described the event as “a learning ground”—a chance for young athletes to build confidence, adapt to pressure, and learn sportsmanship.
As the final whistle blew on October 11, 2025, marking the end of the three-day tournament, SMANSA Merauke clinched the title after narrowly defeating SMA Katolik Taruna Dharma Jayapura with a 1–0 victory. The winning goal was the only score in the match, securing the championship for SMANSA Merauke. With this win, SMANSA Merauke added to their accolades in the tournament, bringing home multiple awards from the My Pertamina event.
More Than a Game: Building Character and Community
Throughout the three-day competition, the venue was transformed into a lively community fair. Pertamina set up educational booths where students could learn about energy conservation, digital services, and the importance of sustainable development. Local micro, small, and medium enterprises (UMKM) were invited to exhibit their products—traditional snacks, handicrafts, and bright-colored clothing—turning the arena into a small festival of local creativity. The combination of sport, business, and community learning gave the event a holistic feel, far beyond a typical school tournament.
Pertamina’s Bright Gas and MyPertamina App promotions added another layer to the event, giving visitors a taste of the company’s consumer-friendly innovations. Students were encouraged to explore how energy use and environmental responsibility could shape their futures. The message was clear: sports and education are not separate paths but two sides of the same journey toward empowerment.
Discovering Hidden Talents
In many ways, the competition served as an unofficial scouting ground for young futsal talents in Papua. The province has long been known for producing gifted footballers—players whose natural athleticism and creativity mirror the rugged beauty of their homeland. But opportunities to showcase that talent are rare, especially for students from remote districts.
By bringing them together in one arena, the MyPertamina Futsal Competition created a vital bridge between raw potential and recognition. Coaches from local sports committees were present to observe, take notes, and identify players who might be invited to join provincial training programs or youth leagues. For Papua, where infrastructure often limits access to organized sports, such initiatives can be transformative.
Several teachers expressed gratitude that their students were finally getting exposure beyond their usual district-level competitions. “It’s not only about winning,” said one coach from Biak. “It’s about showing these boys that their efforts matter—that their hard work can be seen and appreciated.”
Futsal, Technology, and the Future of Youth Empowerment
While the tournament was centered on futsal, Pertamina’s strategy clearly extended beyond the court. By integrating the MyPertamina digital platform into the registration and participation process, the company encouraged young people to engage with technology in practical, rewarding ways. Students learned how digital systems could simplify daily activities—from payments and refueling to earning loyalty points. In a province where internet access is still uneven, the program doubled as a subtle introduction to Indonesia’s digital economy.
This blend of physical engagement and digital learning makes the MyPertamina Futsal Competition unique in its design. It reflects a forward-thinking approach: using sports to promote not just health and teamwork, but also digital awareness and responsible energy consumption. It’s a model that could be replicated across Indonesia’s other regions, particularly those where education and digital access still face barriers.
The Broader Impact on Papua’s Youth Development
Papua’s youth population is among the most vibrant and promising in Indonesia, yet also among the most underserved in terms of educational infrastructure and extracurricular opportunities. Initiatives like the MyPertamina Futsal Competition fill an important gap. They provide a positive outlet for youthful energy, encourage school participation, and strengthen ties among different communities and districts.
Moreover, such programs help to shift public perception of Papua—from a region often discussed in political or economic terms to one defined by creativity, talent, and determination. Every goal scored on that futsal court was a small victory for representation—a reminder that Papua’s young generation is eager to contribute, compete, and rise to national prominence.
The competition’s success also highlights the potential of public-private partnerships in advancing regional development. By combining corporate resources with educational networks, companies like Pertamina can help create sustainable programs that benefit both society and brand image. For the government, this collaboration aligns with national goals to strengthen youth engagement, promote sports, and build digital literacy across the archipelago.
Conclusion
In the end, the MyPertamina Futsal Competition in Jayapura is more than a corporate-sponsored sports event—it is a story of hope and collaboration. It shows how energy, in all its forms, can power communities not only through fuel but also through human potential. On those futsal courts, where teenagers from different corners of Papua played side by side, one could glimpse the essence of development: unity, opportunity, and pride.
Pertamina may be in the business of energy, but through events like this, it becomes equally invested in energizing lives. The real victory is not measured in goals scored or trophies won, but in the confidence of a young player who returns home believing that his dreams—like the ball he chased across the court—are truly within reach.