Beyond the Pitch, Kudus Tourism Enriches the Experience for HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars 2025/2026 Athletes
Kudus – For athletes in the HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars 2025/2026, the victory may end on the scoreboard. However, the experience of discovering Kudus continues to resonate long after they depart.
The final whistle concludes a match, but for the hundreds of young athletes traveling from across the country to compete in the HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars 2025/2026, their journey in Kudus extends well beyond the pitch.
Between training, matches, and recovery, the visiting athletes explored beyond the stadium to experience the host city. They encountered preserved historical landmarks, local culinary delights, the community's hospitality, and everyday interactions that made the city feel welcoming.
Kudus emerged not merely as a competition venue, but as a memorable takeaway. While sports brought them here, their stay offered a glimpse of the city from a different perspective.
Visits to the Kretek Museum, Kudus Tower, Jenang Museum, PB Djarum, and the Plant Nursery Center (PPT) highlighted that a city is defined not only by its athletic infrastructure but also by its heritage, culture, and community life.
For many, these visits served as a first introduction to the unique identity of Kudus.
Abdul Halil, Head of the Kudus Culture and Tourism Office, noted that the HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars 2025/2026 demonstrates how sports can catalyze growth in other sectors, particularly tourism and the local economy.
He added that the arrival of thousands of athletes, officials, and their families has provided a direct economic boost to local businesses.
“Sports tourism events like the HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars 2025/2026 elevate the profile of Kudus by placing the region under the national spotlight. Naturally, this drives tourism, creating a multiplier effect for the local economy,” he stated on Thursday (7/9/2026).
The impact is evident across various sectors. Hotels and homestays have seen an influx of guests, while restaurants and culinary hubs are busier than usual. Transport providers are reporting increased passengers. Meanwhile, gift shops and local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are benefiting from the surge in visitors throughout the competition.
However, for Halil, a region's success as a sports tourism destination is not measured solely by visitor numbers.
Far more critical, he noted, is that guests have reasons to return long after the games have ended. “A city is truly successful when participants want to come back outside of match schedules for leisure, to enjoy local cuisine, shop for gifts, or even bring their families to Kudus,” he said.
That prospect is already beginning to take hold, as seen in the accounts of the athletes themselves. Before arriving in Kudus, Keysha Putri, a player for Arema FC Women U-18 (Malang), viewed the city strictly as a tournament venue. Those perceptions shifted upon visiting the Kretek Museum.
There, she observed traditional hand-rolling techniques, learned about the evolution of the clove cigarette industry that defines Kudus’ identity, and gained insight into history she had never encountered before.
For her, the experience became one of the most memorable moments of the competition. “The most interesting part for me was the Kretek Museum. I learned so much about the history of Kudus. We also visited Menara Kudus, PB Djarum, and Oasis. The people of Kudus are very friendly. If I ever return, I would love to bring my family to the Kretek Museum,” said Keysha.
A similar story comes from Hafiza Radatul Jannah, a U-15/18 athlete for Tangsel City (South Tangerang). She expressed her enjoyment of the opportunity to explore Kudus beyond the field, noting her visit to Kedai Susu Muria to try the salted caramel milk as a personal highlight.
Between matches, she spent time sampling local culinary offerings and engaging with the welcoming community. "The local food here is varied and delicious. It was my first time trying salted caramel milk, which was excellent. I am thrilled to learn more about Kudus, make new friends, and discover so many interesting places here," she said.
For local small business owners, the influx of athletes has also been noteworthy. Felicia Natali Yuwono, the fourth-generation manager of Kedai Susu Muria, noted an increase in athletes and their families seeking healthy drinks after competitions.
She believes such momentum provides an opportunity for local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to showcase their products to visitors. "By capitalizing on these events, businesses can significantly improve their revenue. Athletes typically look for healthy fuel; we provide fresh, pure milk sourced directly from our farm without any additives. They have been very enthusiastic about trying the different flavors," Felicia explained.
A similar trend is evident at the Jenang Kudus Museum. Museum guide Muhammad Saidun Arwani noted that delegations of athletes arrive nearly every day after their matches. He said he most often encounters curious young people rather than simple sightseers.
They ask about Kudus' history, local traditions, and why the regional staple, Soto Kudus, is prepared with buffalo meat. "They are surprised to learn that cow slaughter is prohibited in Kudus and ask why buffalo meat is used instead. They are very enthusiastic about learning history and culture. After touring the museum, they usually buy souvenirs before heading home," he said.
According to Saidun, such curiosity makes a trip more meaningful. "It is not just about the match, but about them taking stories home. Hopefully, they will return with their families to enjoy Kudus in the future," he said.
Rest days are also used to recharge. Arema FC Women U-15 (Malang) head coach Nanang Habibi said he intentionally takes his players out to prevent them from becoming focused solely on training and match routines.
The Kretek Museum, Jenang Museum, and local culinary experiences are part of an agenda he deems essential for maintaining the players' mental well-being.
Beyond providing a welcome break, the journey also enriched their experience during the competition. “We wanted to prevent fatigue. Aside from refreshing, they also gained new knowledge. It turns out Kudus is not only a place where women’s football is flourishing, but it also possesses remarkable history, culture, and culinary traditions,” said Nanang Habibi.
Ultimately, every city leaves its own distinct mark. Some are defined by their stadiums, others by the match atmosphere, and some by the victories secured there. Kudus, however, offers something unique.
Through the HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars 2025/2026, the city has become more than just a competition site; it serves as a meeting point for sports, culture, history, and local life.
As the athletes return home, they carry memories of their matches. But tucked away alongside their luggage, medals, and gear are stories of the Kretek Museum, the Jenang Museum, the Kudus Tower, fresh milk from the slopes of Mount Muria, local delicacies, and the warmth of the people they met.
Perhaps it is these simple stories that ensure a city remains vivid in one's memory. Matches have a definitive end, but the experience of discovering a new place often lasts much longer. (ITN/DNmainkekudus)