Langsa – Universitas Samudra participated in the opening ceremony of the 2023 Pomda at Universitas Malikussaleh. Universitas Samudra was represented by 86 athletes competing in 12 out of the 16 sports featured in the 2023 Pomda at Unimal.
The opening ceremony took place at the Football Field of the Bukit Indah Campus of Universitas Malikussaleh in Lhokseumawe on Sunday, September 17, 2023. With the commencement of POMDA 2023, an intense and thrilling competition between universities and colleges from all regions in Aceh officially began. This event serves as a significant platform for young student-athletes to showcase their talent at the regional level and pursue their aspirations in the realm of sports.
The opening ceremony was further enriched by the Meurah Silu Cultural Arts and Culture UKM team from Malikussaleh University, who presented captivating local arts and cultural performances, including a medley of Acehnese music and the “Beudoh Bangkit” dance. Distinguished guests in attendance included PJ Mayor of Lhokseumawe, Dr. Imran; Head of the Lhokseumawe District Prosecutor’s Office (Kajari), H. Lalu Syaifuddin MH; Lhokseumawe Lanal Commander Marine Lt. Col. (P) Andi Susanto; General Chair of the Indonesian Student Sports Advisory Board (BAPOMI) Aceh, Prof. Mustanir, M.Sc; Aceh Chancellor’s Forum; Korem 011 Lilawangsa; Commander of Kodim 0103/North Aceh; Lhokseumawe Police Chief; North Aceh Police Chief; Dankipan B Yonko 469 Paskhas; Indonesian Air Force Rapid Action Force (KOPASGAT); Arhanud Detachment 001 Iskandar Muda Regional Military Command; Iskandar Muda/I Lhokseumawe Military Police Detachment Unit; Main Director of Bank Aceh, Muhammad Syah; Branch Head of Bank BSI Lhokseumawe; PT. Pertamina Geothermal Energy; PT Pertamina Perta Arun Gas (PAG); State Asset Management Institute (LMAN); Lhokseumawe Development Limited Company (PTPL).
In his address, the Chair of the 2023 Aceh POMDA Committee, Dr. Alfian MA, expressed heartfelt gratitude to all the parties involved for their contributions in making this POMDA a memorable experience for all participants. He emphasized that this POMDA serves as a tangible testament to the spirit of unity and commitment among regional students to nurture their sporting potential and promote sports development.
“Through this event, we aspire to nurture friendship, solidarity, and a healthy competitive spirit among all the participants,” stated Alfian, who also holds the position of Deputy Chancellor for Student and Alumni Affairs at Malikussaleh University.
He further elaborated that the POMDA Aceh this time would span 7 days, featuring 14 sports with the active participation of 1,013 athletes. These athletes would be supported by 142 officials, 87 coaches, and 11 assistant coaches representing 28 universities from both the public and private sectors across Aceh Province and the nation.
“POMDA Aceh 2023 signifies much more than just medals and trophies; it’s about reinforcing unity and promoting a spirit of wholesome competition among the youth and women in the region as they march toward the National Student Sports Week (POMNAS),” Alfian emphasized.
Malikussaleh University, which is the host, has made various preparations, for the match locations at the Bukit Indah Campus, the Cunda Center Academic Building, the PT PAG Lhokseumawe Tennis Field, and Football Stadium, the PT PIM Krueng Geukueh Swimming Pool, North Aceh and the South Hagu Futsal Field, Lhokseumawe.
The General Chairperson of the Aceh Indonesian Student Sports Advisory Board (BAPOMI), Prof Mustanir, said that sport is not just mere sport. Allah loves strong people. physically strong, solid, and dedicated whose aim is to accompany young people to lead Aceh and Indonesia in the future.
“Sports have the power to unite us, uplift our spirits, and serve as a means of fostering friendships, not solely for the sake of achievements and medals,” expressed Mustanir.
He further extended his gratitude to Unimal for successfully organizing the 2023 POMDA Aceh event within a short timeframe. This event is designed to identify talented athletes who will represent Aceh in the upcoming POMNAS 2023 at Lambung Mangkurat University, Banjarmasin.
“Hopefully, these athletes will diligently prepare themselves through rigorous training to compete at the national level. In the future, we anticipate that Teuku Umar University (UTU) Meulaboh will be ready to host POMDA. Our ongoing efforts are aimed at creating opportunities for all campuses, each with its unique strengths and characteristics, to take on the role of hosting POMDA,” he added.
The Chancellor of Malikussaleh University, Prof. Dr. Herman Fithra Asean Eng, extended his heartfelt gratitude to all the donors who played a crucial role in organizing this event. He acknowledged that the 2023 POMDA did not receive financial assistance from the Aceh Government due to a lack of budget allocation for this purpose at Unimal.
However, he assured the participants, “We have engaged in discussions with the local government, and we will provide support to the students participating in POMNAS at Lambung Mangkurat University, Banjarmasin. So, rest assured and continue to excel, as both BAPOMI and the Aceh Government will assist all students in competing at the national level.”
Prof. Herman emphasized the importance of upholding sportsmanship among all participants, noting that those present at the event were students who had excelled in sports.
Acting Mayor of Lhokseumawe, Dr. Imran, characterized this event as a historic milestone in the Aceh regional sports calendar. He highlighted that Lhokseumawe City is actively opening its doors to host activities of both provincial and national significance.
He remarked, “POMDA Aceh 2023 isn’t just a sports competition; it serves as a platform for fostering a sense of camaraderie and unity among students from various universities in Aceh.”
Dr. Imran recognized that POMDA Aceh 2023 represents a pivotal moment where the youth of Aceh have the opportunity to pursue their dreams, achieve remarkable feats, and leave their mark in the realm of sports. Consequently, he expressed his deep appreciation to Malikussaleh University for taking pride in hosting this significant event this year.
“POMDA Aceh 2023 represents a significant initial stride towards competing at the national level. I would like to advise all referees, judges, officials, athletes, and contingents participating in POMDA Aceh 2023 to uphold the values of sportsmanship and compete with integrity,” he emphasized. “We also hope that all participants and officials will feel welcome and at home during their time in Lhokseumawe City.”
The event is made possible through the generous support of sponsors such as Bank Aceh Syariah, PT Perta Arun Gas (PAG), Bank Syariah Indonesia (BSI), Pertamina, PT Pembangunan Lhokseumawe, State Asset Management Institute (LMAN), and several other valued stakeholders. (Unsam Humas)