Wamena, Olemah.com– The Papua Pegunungan Zone League IV football tournament, organized by the Provincial Association (Asprov) of the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI), officially concluded on Wednesday (April 3) with resounding success at the Pendidikan Stadium in Wamena, the capital of Papua Pegunungan Province.
The closing ceremony of the most beloved sport in the region was marked by festivity, sportsmanship, and joy, drawing praise from the local government, residents, and football enthusiasts throughout this newly established autonomous province in Papua.
Acting Governor of Papua Pegunungan, Dr. Velix Vernando Wanggai, SIP, MPA, stated during the closing ceremony that the tournament, held from March 22 to April 3, has carved out a new chapter in the region’s football history. The competition, which brought together the top eight teams from all eight regencies in Papua Pegunungan, served as a proving ground for the region’s young and promising football talents.
“In the grand final, Persigubin Pegunungan Bintang clinched the championship title after a thrilling penalty shootout victory over Persitoli Tolikara, ending with a final score of 4-2,” Velix told the media from Wamena on Friday (April 4).
According to Velix, Persigubin will now prepare to carry the hopes and pride of Papua Pegunungan as its official representative in the National League IV. Meanwhile, Bumi Baliem FC celebrated a third-place finish after defeating Lanny Jaya FC, who settled for fourth place.
Prior to the final match, Velix delivered an inspiring message to the people of Papua Pegunungan, urging unity and a spirit of kinship throughout the tournament.
“Let us safeguard our Great Honai of Papua Pegunungan. Whoever wins, it is a shared victory a victory for all the people of Papua Pegunungan,” said Velix, a native Papuan and youth leader serving as the acting governor.
He emphasized that the 2025 Papua Pegunungan Zone League IV is a historic milestone for the region’s football development. Before presenting the trophy to the champions, Velix reaffirmed that this tournament marks the beginning of a football renaissance for the mountainous region.
“Today, we have made history. Persigubin’s victory is our collective triumph Papua Pegunungan’s victory. This is our moment to show Indonesia that Papua Pegunungan is ready to compete on the national football stage,” he added.
For Velix, football is not only about winning trophies, but also about embracing deeper values sportsmanship, solidarity, and hard work.
“Football is a symbol of equality, justice, identity, and the dignity of the Papuan people especially for those in the highlands. It is a platform for our youth to showcase their immense potential to the world,” said Velix, who previously served as Deputy for Government Policy and National Insight at the Vice President’s Office.
Velix also highlighted the critical need for infrastructure investment to support football development in the region. “In 2024, we completed the new turf for Pendidikan Stadium in Wamena. Going forward, we must work together to build new spectator stands around the stadium, aiming to accommodate 20,000 to 30,000 people. This will be a major step for the future of football in our region,” he stated.
The 2025 edition of the Papua Pegunungan Zone League IV was held safely and smoothly, thanks to the collective effort of over 350 personnel, including the military, police, medical teams, match officials, and other stakeholders. The league also set a remarkable record, drawing an audience of around 150,000 throughout the tournament.
“With the conclusion of this league, our focus now shifts to Persigubin’s preparations for the National League IV. The spirit of unity and dedication shown throughout the tournament will be a strong foundation for the rise of sports and the strengthening of our regional identity through football,” said Velix.
Meanwhile, Athenius Murip, SH, MH, Chairman of the Papua Pegunungan PSSI Asprov, noted that the regional PSSI administration is now fully unified and has made significant progress, including the formation of PSSI District Associations (Askab) in all eight regencies.
“This league could only take place because each participating team is under the guidance of their respective Askab PSSI,” said Athenius Murip, who also serves as Regent of Jayawijaya.
Athenius expressed his gratitude to the Papua Pegunungan Provincial Government for its support, which allowed Pendidikan Stadium in Wamena to host the 2025 League IV tournament.
“Before Acting Governor Velix Wanggai completes his term, he has left us with a legacy the upgraded Pendidikan Stadium Wamena. It will always serve as a reminder of his contributions to the development of sports in our province,” said Athenius, a former military commander of District 1702/Praja Wira Yakhti in Wamena.
(Balik Awan)
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