UMJ Hosts World Cup Viewing Party for France vs. Spain Semifinal

Universitas Muhammadiyah Jakarta (UMJ) organized a public viewing of the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinal match between France and Spain, bringing together students, faculty, and officials for a shared experience.

The event, held at the UMJ Rectorate Building, was attended by key figures including the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education and Secretary General of PP Muhammadiyah, Abdul Mu'ti, and UMJ Rector, Ma'mun Murod. Abdul Mu'ti stated that the viewing party was intended to offer healthy entertainment to the community, echoing President Joko Widodo's call for Indonesians to share in the excitement of the World Cup.

"The enthusiasm shown by participants demonstrates that football can serve as a unifying force across different groups," Abdul Mu'ti remarked. He further emphasized that football offers valuable life lessons, such as teamwork, strategy, patience, and mental fortitude, which are crucial for success. "No matter how great individual skill is, without solid teamwork, it is difficult to achieve victory. Furthermore, strategy, patience, and a never-give-up spirit are important lessons because in football, anything is possible until the final whistle blows," he added.

Rector Ma'mun Murod highlighted that the viewing party was UMJ's initiative to enliven the World Cup and create a space for discussion, education, and togetherness among the academic community. He noted Muhammadiyah's historical ties to Indonesian football, with many figures involved in the establishment of the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) and the creation of PS Hizbul Wathan. "Football is not something foreign to Muhammadiyah. There is a long history showing the contribution of Muhammadiyah figures to the development of national football, so this activity is also part of preserving that historical record," he stated. Murod also pointed to UMJ students' achievements in football, including winning the DKI Jakarta Student League, with some now playing professionally.