KUDUS — The MilkLife Soccer Challenge (MLSC) All Stars 2026, scheduled for June 23–28, 2026, is providing a significant boost to the hospitality sector in Kudus Regency. The arrival of hundreds of participants, coaches, officials, and support staff from across Indonesia has driven a surge in occupancy rates at several local hotels.
Observations on Sunday (June 21, 2026) showed participants arriving at various hotels serving as official and supporting lodgings for the event. The attendees represent 12 Indonesian cities, including All Stars Jakarta, All Stars Bandung, All Stars Semarang, All Stars Surabaya, All Stars Banjarmasin, and All Stars Samarinda.
The rise in guest volume is not only felt by hoteliers but also serves as an indicator of activity in the service and tourism sectors tied to national-level sporting events in Kudus Regency.
One establishment feeling the direct impact of the MilkLife Soccer Challenge All Stars is the Sapphire Boutique Hotel Kudus. Hotel management reported that all available rooms were booked ahead of the competition's start.
Food and Beverage (F&B) Manager of Sapphire Boutique Hotel Kudus, Andri Santoso, noted that participants began arriving over the weekend, pushing hotel occupancy to full capacity.
“Today, the Sapphire Boutique Hotel Kudus is fully occupied by MilkLife Soccer Challenge All Stars participants. Our occupancy has reached 100 percent. The enthusiasm of the participants, including coaches traveling from various cities, has been extraordinary,” Andri said on Sunday (June 21, 2026).
According to Andri, of the 92 available rooms, the vast majority are occupied by MilkLife Soccer Challenge All Stars participants and officials. He expressed hope that the tournament would provide a lasting positive impact on the hospitality, tourism, and supporting services sectors in Kudus.
A similar trend was observed at Hotel Griptha Kudus, which saw a significant increase in occupancy ahead of the tournament.
Approximately 90 percent of the 138 available rooms have been booked. The majority of guests are participants, organizers, and personnel involved in the HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars 2025/2026.
This rise in hotel occupancy underscores how national sporting events extend beyond competition, providing a significant economic boost to supporting sectors, including accommodation and auxiliary services.
Hotels began seeing an influx of participants over the weekend as young athletes, coaches, and officials settled in to rest and acclimatize before the matches begin in Kudus.
Oktavianus, a coach for the Bandung All Stars team, expressed his excitement for this year’s tournament. He noted the smooth travel to Kudus and praised the facilities provided by the organizers.
“The journey from Bandung was pleasant and surprisingly quick, with no traffic. I am eager to get onto the pitch at the Supersoccer Arena (SSA). The sporting facilities here in Kudus are outstanding, and the children are surely excited,” said Coach Okta.
He noted that the Bandung All Stars team has been preparing for the past month, including intensive training sessions and regular trial matches every Friday to ensure readiness.
“We brought 16 of our top players. Our goal is clear: to bring home the title after being eliminated in the group stage last year,” he added.
The rigorous preparation by each team highlights the dedication of the young talent gathered for this competition.
Beyond the on-field rivalry, the HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars 2025/2026 serves as a forum for young players from different regions to connect. The opportunity to meet peers from other cities is a unique highlight for the tournament’s participants.
Fazia Fatoni, a player for the Surabaya All Stars staying at Hotel Griptha Kudus, said she is thrilled to interact with fellow players from across the country during her time in Kudus.
"It is wonderful to meet friends from other regions. We do not view each other as opponents here, but as friends. Even so, our goal remains to win. We must work hard because the opponents here are excellent, so we have to keep pace," said Fazia.
She noted that the competitive atmosphere does not hinder the participants from building friendships and getting to know one another. These interactions are a valuable part of their experience during the tournament.
Similar scenes were observed at several hotels where participants are staying. During their downtime, the young athletes were seen greeting each other, chatting, and socializing with participants from other regions. This environment reflects a sense of community that coexists with the competitive spirit.
Although they will eventually face each other on the pitch, the participants maintain warm relationships outside the arena. These interactions represent one of the values defining the MilkLife Soccer Challenge All Stars 2026.
The hosting of the MilkLife Soccer Challenge All Stars 2026 once again places Kudus Regency at the center of a national sporting event involving participants from across Indonesia. The arrival of hundreds of participants and staff has not only created a competitive atmosphere but has also boosted local hospitality and service sectors.
With the athletic facilities available at the Supersoccer Arena and accommodation support in place, participants are now turning their attention to the upcoming matches in the next few days.
For the young athletes, the MilkLife Soccer Challenge All Stars is an opportunity to showcase their skills while gaining valuable experience competing against players from diverse regions. For the local hospitality sector in Kudus, the event has contributed to higher occupancy rates throughout the tournament.
As the MilkLife Soccer Challenge All Stars 2026 gets underway, the enthusiasm of participants, coaches, and officials remains high. The competition serves as more than just a youth soccer tournament; it acts as a platform to strengthen ties between regions through sport. (JMY/mainkekudus)