The Community Service Program Team of Universitas Gadjah Mada (KKN-PPM UGM), Kita Morotai, once again demonstrated its commitment to community empowerment by organizing the Sepak Bola Rao 2026 event. The tournament was officially opened on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, in the Saminyamau Village, Rao Island District, Morotai Island Regency, North Maluku, and will run until Jan. 27, 2026.
The event’s opening was warmly welcomed by the community, marked by a strong spirit of togetherness and high enthusiasm. The tournament was held as part of a series of pre-events leading up to the Rao Rayo Festival 2026, which is scheduled to take place in early February.
The Student Coordinator of the Kita Morotai team, Rasya Wahyu Anggita, revealed that Sepak Bola Rao 2026 is one of the most highly anticipated moments for residents of the Rao Island District.
“This event is attended by 10 teams from across the Rao Island District. The enthusiasm is reflected in the participation of Saminyamau Village with two teams, Posi-Posi with two teams, Leo-Leo with two teams, Aru Burung with one team, Lou Madoro with one team, the District Team with one team, and a Joint Village Government Team with one team,” Anggita stated in a written statement to journalists on Monday (Jan. 26).
The Head of Rao Island, Sherly Tamadarage, in her welcoming speech, emphasized that Sepak Bola Rao is not merely a competitive sporting event. According to her, the tournament serves as a new space to strengthen solidarity among the youth of Rao Island.
“This activity aims to encourage us to walk hand in hand, work together, and listen to one another across generations. If not us, then who will build this village?” Tamadarage said.
She also urged players and supporters to maintain discipline throughout the event.
“There will be one winner, but let us not focus solely on victory because the most important thing is solidarity,” she added.
Vice Regent of Morotai Island, Rio Christian Pawane, conveyed a message that the matches should be conducted fairly and smoothly. He also expressed his appreciation for the Kita Morotai team’s contribution to organizing Sepak Bola Rao 2026.
“In every match, there are winners and losers. If you only want to win, just buy a trophy yourself and do not bother joining the competition,” Pawane remarked, drawing laughter and applause from the audience.
He further advised all members of the Kita Morotai team to optimize their roles and contributions during their time in Morotai so they could gain meaningful moments of togetherness to be treasured in the future.
“Coming to Morotai is not just about completing KKN-PPM. When you return home, you can bring back good stories about Morotai,” he said.
The opening of the Sepak Bola Rao 2026 tournament was symbolically marked by the ceremonial first kick performed by Vice Regent Rio Christian Pawane, together with the Head of Saminyamau Village, Mangamis Tarumere.
This symbolic gesture signaled the official start of the tournament while upholding the value of sportsmanship.
On the first day, the tournament proceeded smoothly and in a conducive manner. Intense matches between teams provided entertainment for spectators.
The opening match featured Maizara FC vs. Tornado FC, followed by Gabungan Pemdes vs. Gado-gado vs. Kecapro FC, and concluded with Persisam B vs. Gen Z.
Sepak Bola Rao 2026 will continue until Jan. 27, 2026, involving participants from across Rao Island District. The event is fully supported by the active participation of the Saminyamau Village community, the local government, and various sponsors.
It is expected to serve as a positive initial step toward the implementation of the Rao Rayo Festival 2026 in February. Moreover, the tournament also functions as a platform to strengthen inter-village bonds in the coastal areas of Rao Island.
Anggita, as the Student Coordinator of the Kita Morotai team, also expressed gratitude to all committee members who actively participated and worked tirelessly throughout the event. She appreciates sponsors for their full support.
The successful organization of Sepak Bola Rao 2026 was made possible through the support of AVO Innovation and Technology, PT Cahaya Albarokah Sukses, Waskita Karya, Rumah Mentor Indonesia, PT Nusa Karya Arindo, PLN Nusantara Power, and PT Perkebunan Nusantara (PTPN) III.
Author: Diana
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Zabrina Kumara Putri
Photographs: Kita Morotai