The collaboration between the Jambi Province Football Association (Asprov) and the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) with the University of Jambi (UNJA) has led to the inaugural ‚National Conference Of Football and Sciences‘ in Indonesia. This groundbreaking event took place at the Ratu Convention Center in Jambi on the 28th and 29th of August 2024.
The conference was graced by the presence of key figures in the football and academic world, including the Chairman of PSSI, represented by Vice Chairman Ratu Tisha Destria, S.Si., M.A.; the Governor of Jambi Province, Dr. H. Al Haris, S.Sos., M.H.; UNJA’s Rector, Helmi; the Head of the Jambi Sports and Youth Office, along with UNJA faculty members, seminar presenters from across Indonesia, and students from UNJA and other universities in Jambi.
The event was inaugurated by Governor Al Haris, who highlighted the significant progress of football in Indonesia. He praised the advancements made in Indonesian football under the leadership of Erick Thohir, noting that the sport has not only excelled in Asia but has also made a mark on the global stage. This progress signifies a bright future for Indonesian football.
Vice Chairman of PSSI, Ratu Tarisha, emphasized the importance of the seminar in the management of football in Indonesia. She stated that bringing practitioners and researchers in the fields of science and football together is crucial for the development of innovative practices, particularly in Coaching Development, Referee Development, and Youth Development. This collaboration between PSSI, practitioners, researchers, and academics is essential for the advancement of Indonesian football.
UNJA’s Rector, Helmi, expressed his full support for the conference, highlighting the significance of integrating academic knowledge with practical sports development. He commended the event as a pioneering initiative in Indonesia, expressing his commitment to future conferences in various regions of the country.
The conference featured distinguished keynote speakers, including Vice Chairman of PSSI Ratu Tisha Destria, S.Si., M.A., who discussed ‚Science and Technology in the Football Industry‘; Prof. Drs. Tommy Apriantono, M.Sc., Ph.D. from the Bandung Institute of Technology, who presented on ‚Biomechanics and Sports Physiology Research‘; and Endarman, Ph.D., a Sports Management lecturer at UNJA, who shared insights on ‚Exploring the Potential of Indonesian Football: Lessons from Europe and Government Commitment.‘
Chairman of the Conference Committee, Reza Hadinata, emphasized the importance of merging football with academic expertise. He expressed hope for the establishment of a research institution within PSSI to drive the advancement of football in Indonesia.
In conclusion, the ‚National Conference Of Football and Sciences‘ marks a significant milestone in the intersection of sports and academia in Indonesia. By fostering collaboration between football practitioners, researchers, and academics, the event sets a precedent for the holistic development of football in the country. It is a testament to the commitment towards enhancing the quality and professionalism of Indonesian football for a brighter future.
