ANTARA Involves Local SMEs to Celebrate World Cup Viewing in Sebatik Border Area

ANTARA, Indonesia's national news agency, brought the World Cup final excitement to the country's border with Malaysia on Sebatik Island. The agency organized a public viewing event, aiming to foster national unity and boost the local economy.

Director General Benny Siga Butarbutar stated that involving local micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (UMKM) was a tangible way for the state to be present during the global sports celebration. "The state is present, providing excitement, joy, for all people watching the World Cup. And we hope it will inspire people there," Benny said.

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The state is present, providing excitement, joy, for all people watching the World Cup. And we hope it will inspire people there.

The event provided UMKM with a platform to sell local food, drinks, and products to attendees. ANTARA also offered free meals, including traditional snacks, coffee, tea, and local soups, to the community. This approach aimed to ensure that the joy of the World Cup was shared with Indonesians in border areas, mirroring the experience of those in other regions.

The public viewing also served as a gathering space for people of all ages, strengthening the sense of togetherness in Indonesia's frontier territory. Residents began arriving as early as midnight, and students from a local community service program assisted ANTARA's organizing team. ANTARA hopes this event will not only provide entertainment but also deliver economic benefits to the local community.

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So the shared joy is also rightfully enjoyed by the Indonesian people, our brothers and sisters in the border areas. They feel the same joy as their brothers and sisters in other regions.