Bus and Public Minivan Operators See a Revenue Boost from Transporting Athletes and Team Officials.

Kudus – A soccer tournament impacts more than just the action on the pitch. From dawn until late at night, thousands of people move throughout the city. Athletes travel from their accommodations to the stadium, officials ensure the entire schedule remains on track, and spectators arrive from various regions to witness the matches.

At the HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars 2025/2026, held from July 5 – 12, 2026, at the Supersoccer Arena in Kudus, this mobility became a vital component for the competition's success. Behind the daily transit to the stadium, transport companies, bus operators, and local transit drivers all played a role in ensuring the smooth operation of the event.

For these professionals, the tournament offered more than just passengers. The national-scale sporting event opened business opportunities while bringing together diverse participants in the transportation sector within a mutually supportive ecosystem.

Supporting the Athletes' Journey

The 150-kilometer distance between Yogyakarta and Kudus did not deter PT Gelis Gedhe Maju Mandiri from contributing to the tournament. The vehicle rental company was entrusted to provide four medium buses to transport athletes from their lodging to the Supersoccer Arena throughout the competition.

Company owner Agus Wahyuno views this trust not merely as a business opportunity, but as a commitment to support the development of youth soccer in Indonesia.

“As entrepreneurs, we certainly welcome this event. Beyond supporting the cultivation and advancement of national sports, we can participate in sports development while growing our own business. We are proud to collaborate with large-scale organizers and provide support through our services,” said Agus Wahyuno during a phone interview.

This trust was met with thorough preparation. All vehicles underwent rigorous inspections, from engine performance to cabin cleanliness, ensuring a safe and comfortable transit experience for the athletes.

According to Agus, the quality of service was paramount, given that the vehicles were in constant use throughout the tournament.

“As part of the Indonesian community, we certainly welcome this activity. We have long known Djarum for its significant contributions to badminton, but it is clear they are now also providing strong support for soccer. In terms of preparation, we ensured that all vehicles met the feasibility and cleanliness standards expected by the organizers. That is why we prepared medium buses in excellent condition and ready for operation,” he added.

Although this was his first experience supporting a women's soccer tournament in Kudus, Agus sees the partnership as an opening for future collaborations on upcoming sporting events.

For transportation providers, the endurance of sports agendas offers benefits that extend beyond simple vehicle rentals. Regularly scheduled events provide consistent demand for transport, while simultaneously expanding professional networks with organizers.

Angkot Surge in Passengers

The benefits of the tournament are also felt by local public minivan (angkot) drivers in Kudus. Throughout the competition, the mobility of participants and spectators has boosted local transit demand.

One such driver is Arif Kurniawan Nur, who has received multiple requests to transport student groups and team officials to the Supersoccer Arena.

Amidst a shift in public transportation preferences toward ride-hailing services, the influx of passengers during the tournament has provided a welcome boost.

"As an angkot driver, activities like this are very helpful to us. While this is the first time, I hope there will be more in the future. Compared to typical days, there has been an increase in passengers and extra orders. It is usually quiet now because of ride-hailing apps, so this has been a great help, thank God," he said.

This surge in activity was not isolated to Arif. On the final day of the tournament, roughly eight angkot units were deployed to support participant transport, with as many as ten to twelve vehicles in use on previous days.

For drivers, this opportunity provided additional income and demonstrated that public minivans still play a vital role in supporting national-scale events.

Sports Tourism Ecosystem

The hosting of the HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars 2025/2026 illustrates that the impact of a sporting event extends well beyond the stadium. The mobility of athletes, officials, organizing committees, and spectators created a demand for various support services, including transportation.

Within this process, businesses of varying scales had the opportunity to contribute based on their capacities. Bus providers supported inter-location mobility, while public minivans assisted participants and spectators in navigating the Kudus area.

These transportation requirements complemented other sectors that benefited during the tournament, such as hotels, restaurants, retail outlets, and local tourist destinations visited by participants during their downtime.

Throughout the week-long event, these vehicles served as vital links, transporting athletes to the pitch, assisting officials in their duties, and helping spectators reach the venue.

As the competition concluded and participants returned home, transportation activity gradually normalized. Yet for local businesses, the experience left behind more than just increased travel volume.

For fleet operators, the tournament served as an opportunity to build trust and forge new partnerships. Meanwhile, for the minivan drivers, the surge in passengers proved that sporting events can deliver tangible economic benefits directly to the community.

These journeys underscore that a tournament connects more than just teams to a stadium; it drives the local economy. Every vehicle transporting athletes to a match acts as a catalyst for the sports tourism ecosystem growing alongside athletic events in Kudus. (JMY/mainkekudus)