Meet the Dedicated Personnel Ensuring Seamless Operations at the Supersoccer Arena Kudus for the HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars 2025/2026

Kudus – Thunderous applause echoed from the stands, with cheers erupting every time the ball approached the net. Cameras captured every move by the young players, who competed tirelessly on the pitch at Supersoccer Arena Kudus.

However, behind every goal, save, and celebratory moment during the HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars 2025/2026, held from July 5 to 12, 2026, lies a story that rarely finds its way into the media frame.

The tournament, which brought together 16 girls' soccer teams in the U-15 and U-18 categories from various regions, featured highly competitive matches. Yet, the success of such a large-scale competition is not determined solely by the players, coaches, or referees. Many people work behind the scenes, from before dawn until the stadium falls silent at night.

They are not the ones who score goals or stand on the podium when the trophies are lifted. Nevertheless, without their efforts, the tournament could not run smoothly, safely, or efficiently.

At Supersoccer Arena Kudus, individuals like security head Supangat, field maintenance worker Bachtiar Arifin, sanitation worker Indah Purnamasari, and site coordinator Agung Kuncoro serve as the backbone of the operation. While they often work away from the spotlight, it is through their diligence that a major event of this scale functions successfully.

Ensuring Safety Through a Humanistic Approach

For Supangat, a soccer match is about more than just a final score. As the security sector head at Supersoccer Arena Kudus, he is responsible for the safety of the hundreds, sometimes thousands, of spectators who visit the stadium daily.

Security operations are conducted in two shifts: the first from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. WIB, and the second from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. WIB. Each shift consists of 30 personnel deployed at key points, including the main gate, motorcycle entrance, VIP and visitor parking areas, and access points to the north and south locker rooms.

Youth tournaments, however, present unique challenges.

As the audience primarily consists of children and their families, the security team employs a protective approach grounded in compassion.

Four personnel are specifically stationed in the stands to monitor children and prevent them from playing near the court's relatively low safety barriers. This security force is further bolstered by six police officers, four military personnel, and two municipal police (Satpol PP) officers.

“This event is special because it is for children. Since many of our attendees are young, we emphasize a more humanistic approach. We have instructed every member of our security team to ensure they monitor the children in a gentle and supportive manner,” Supangat said.

During his duty, Supangat witnesses moments that often go unnoticed: young athletes moved to tears after scoring a goal, parents embracing their daughters post-match, and the resilient faces of those who have yet to secure a win.

To him, each match carries a different story. The security team does more than just guard a stadium; they help protect the space where young dreams grow.

“These athletes are still children. When they score or win, the emotion is unmistakable; some even cry, as do their parents. Even those who haven't won yet retain hope of becoming the best,” he concluded.

When the Grass Becomes the Guardian of Safety

Every smooth short pass, every slip-free sprint, and every safe tackle begins with work performed long before the opening whistle.

Behind the greenery of the Supersoccer Arena, Bachtiar Arifin carries out his role as a groundman.

His routine begins with combing the grass to ensure the surface remains level, followed by watering at noon to prevent the turf from drying out under the Kudus sun.

The job, however, is far more detailed than many realize.

He must inspect every section of the pitch to ensure there are no foreign objects or sharp debris that could endanger players during runs or sliding tackles.

“Before an event begins, we prepare the field. We comb the grass and water it at 12:00 PM so it doesn't get too dry. We also anticipate small details, such as ensuring no sharp objects are left on the field that could harm the players,” Bachtiar said.

While his official hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, he often remains at the stadium longer to accommodate training schedules or matches that extend into the evening.

For him, the work is only truly complete once the pitch is ready for use again.

“Our official working hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. WIB. However, we often work past 5:00 p.m. because training sessions typically run from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. WIB. Consequently, we cannot always leave right at 5:00 p.m.,” she added with a smile. 

Spotless Stadiums Before Spectators Arrive

When spectators enter the stadium, the stands are clean, hallways are orderly, and the restrooms are ready for use. Once matches conclude, most people head home without realizing the effort required to restore the arena for the following day.

Behind this routine is Indah Purnamasari and her cleaning service team.

As the cleaning service lead, she manages operations across two shifts: 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. WIB and 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. WIB. Her team ensures the entire stadium, including stands, hallways, and supporting facilities, remains pristine.

Their work begins long before spectators arrive and is only truly completed once the stadium has cleared.

“Spectators may not realize we arrive early to clear the area. It is the same at night. After the crowd leaves, we conduct another sweep to ensure the arena is prepared and sterilized for the next day's match,” Indah said.

For Indah, cleanliness goes beyond aesthetics; it is essential to the comfort of everyone visiting the stadium, from athletes and staff to the spectators themselves.

For this reason, even the smallest appreciation for the team's hard work serves as motivation to continue delivering top-tier service.

“We are truly delighted to feel appreciated in our roles as cleaning service staff. Without us, the area would not be comfortable or clean,” he asserted.

Acting as Mediators Amidst Match Emotions

On the sidelines, Agung Kuncoro plays an equally vital role as a steward.

Positioned at the boundary between the pitch and the exterior, he ensures matches conform to regulations while managing highly charged situations.

One significant challenge arises when team officials protest officiating decisions.

In such instances, Agung must remain composed, offer persuasive explanations, and execute his duties according to Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).

“One challenge is when a team official voices a protest. At that moment, we are required to provide an explanation. It is our duty. We maintain security according to SOP,” he said. 

Beyond his professional duties, Agung finds simple yet profound motivation. He strives to work diligently to support his family while hoping tournaments like this inspire more Indonesian youth to excel in sports.

“Alhamdulillah, this work is meaningful as it allows us to work earnestly to provide for our families. That is the priority. We hope our efforts benefit our children and inspire the next generation. Our dream is for Indonesian women's football to advance through this tournament,” he expressed. 

Preparing a Stage for Greater Dreams

HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars 2025/2026 serves as more than just a competition for young female footballers. The tournament is part of a long-term effort to build a sustainable Indonesian women's football ecosystem, supported by continuous competitions and adequate facilities.

The Supersoccer Arena in Kudus was designed for more than just hosting matches; it was built to serve as a cornerstone for the resurgence of women’s football in Indonesia. This initiative began with the inaugural MilkLife Soccer Challenge in 2023, which launched with 712 female participants.

As the competition has grown, organizers have continuously upgraded facilities and match-day atmospheres to mirror international standards, ensuring young Indonesian players receive professional experience from an early age.

When the Stadium Lights Fade

After the final whistle blows and the trophy is awarded, fans typically remember only the spectacular goals, brilliant saves, and celebratory displays on the pitch.

Yet, behind every lasting memory, there is significant work performed without fanfare.

Security personnel ensure the safety of thousands of attendees. Groundspeople maintain the pitch to ensure optimal playing conditions. Cleaning crews arrive long before the first kick and remain well after the final whistle. Stewards maintain order throughout the event. Facility managers maintain the site to provide a space for these athletes to thrive.

They may never register a goal or see their names on the scoreboard, but through their daily dedication, they provide the essential foundation upon which young female players pursue their dreams.

Behind the roar of the crowd, they are the ones who ensure that every match can proceed, unfold, and conclude successfully. (JMY/DN/BRO/mainkekudus)