KUDUS – A total of 1,601 participants from across Indonesia arrived in Kudus for the 2026 PB Djarum General Auditions, held from Sept. 9–13, 2026. Athletes from as far as Sumatra and Papua competed across three age categories: U-11, KU-11, and KU-12 for both boys and girls.
Kudus marks the third city to host the auditions, following Pekanbaru in July and Makassar in August 2026. For five days, the Djarum Jati Sports Hall served as the venue for participants to compete and showcase their talents before the scouting team.
However, the audition process extended beyond the arena. Participants traveling from outside the region were responsible for managing their logistics during their stay, including housing, meals, transportation, training schedules, and rest.
The PB Djarum General Auditions not only boosted occupancy rates for local hotels and homestays, but the influx of participants also prompted many residents to open their homes as temporary lodging. Many participants opted for rented houses near the Djarum Jati Sports Hall for their proximity to the venue and affordability.
The interaction between participants and local residents fostered activities beyond the competition itself. Hosts assisted newcomers in navigating the city, while parents and chaperones coordinated essential needs to ensure the young athletes remained prepared for each stage of the selection process.
Among the local accommodations welcoming participants was the Fafin Kost & Guest House, located at Jalan Lingkar Timur Kudus No. 345, Barisan, Jati Wetan, Jati, Kudus. Managed by Nanang Wahyu, the guesthouse hosted several participants and their guardians during the audition period.
According to Nanang, a common challenge for out-of-town participants is a lack of familiarity with Kudus, including navigating local housing, access to the arena, and general living arrangements.
Nanang is in his third year managing Fafin. For this year’s auditions, eight participants stayed at the property, including six from Tangerang and two from Bandung and Mojokerto, accompanied by their parents and coaches throughout the selection trials.
Many participants begin searching for lodging well before the auditions take place. Google Maps serves as a primary tool for finding accommodations near the venue. Once a suitable location is identified, they contact the manager to confirm room availability and verify that essential amenities are provided for their stay in Kudus.
For Nanang, his commitment to his guests extends beyond simply providing a room. He and his family frequently offer guidance on local transportation, dining options, and other support services that participants and their companions may require.
Even when Fafin is fully booked, Nanang assists guests in finding alternative lodging in the surrounding area.
“We maintain a family-oriented atmosphere here. We are always open and ready to assist our guests with whatever they need,” he stated.
For PB Djarum General Audition participants, Fafin offers daily rates based on room facilities. Air-conditioned rooms are priced at Rp 150,000 per day, including a television, while fan-cooled rooms are available for Rp 80,000 per day. Weekly packages are also available for Rp 700,000 for air-conditioned rooms and Rp 500,000 for fan-cooled rooms.
Fafin’s monthly rates for air-conditioned rooms are set at Rp 1.2 million, including electricity. Type A fan-cooled rooms are priced at Rp 700,000 per month, while Type B units are Rp 800,000.
Fafin is not the only local residence hosting audition participants. Kos Lumintu, owned by Nanang’s mother, Sri Mulyati, has been in operation for 15 to 20 years and manages 14 rooms.
During the audition period, two rooms are occupied by participants from Mojokerto and Sampang, Madura. The residence provides fans in each room, with shared bathroom facilities located outside.
Kos Lumintu charges standard monthly rates ranging from Rp 450,000 to Rp 500,000. Specifically for PB Djarum General Audition participants, the rate is set at Rp 60,000 per day or Rp 400,000 per week.
Throughout the 2026 PB Djarum General Audition, two rooms at Kos Lumintu were occupied by participants from Mojokerto and Sampang, Madura. Each room is equipped with a fan, while bathroom facilities are situated outside.
For Nanang, each audition cycle brings unique experiences. He recalls several participants who stayed at his Fafin boarding house before successfully securing a spot at PB Djarum.
Over the past three to four years, he estimates that four or five former guests have gone on to join the club. While he does not recall all their names, the experience has allowed him to witness the journeys of participants returning year after year.
Selection results are often unpredictable. Some children advance deep into the audition stages, while others are eliminated earlier, leaving them to try again on future opportunities.
This reality creates a different experience for every family. Participants focus on their matches, while parents, coaches, and guardians manage the logistical needs to ensure the children can remain focused on the selection process.
Among those returning to Kudus is Rofi Tristan Alifsuyono from Tangerang. For Rofi, Kudus is no longer unfamiliar territory, having participated in the auditions here multiple times.
During his time in Kudus, Rofi has formed his own impressions of the local residents. When asked about his experience living in the city, his response was brief.
“Friendly,” he said.
Rofi trains with coaches from PB Champion Kebumen. Despite several previous attempts, his goal remains the same: he hopes for an opportunity to join PB Djarum.
“I really want to get into PB Djarum,” he said.
This ambition led him back to the 2026 PB Djarum General Auditions. Beyond pursuing selection, competing against players from various regions serves as a valuable opportunity for Rofi to refine his skills.
Outside the arena, Rofi’s routine is managed by those accompanying him. He maintains his training schedule, while his nutrition, rest, and match schedule are balanced to ensure he remains in peak condition throughout the event.
One of his guardians is Sri Yutini, known affectionately as Bu Iyut, who traveled from Tangerang to support her son's selection journey.
The 2026 audition marks the family's third attempt. In the previous year, Rofi reached the round of 32. This year, his journey ended sooner, around the round of 64. According to Bu Iyut, health issues impacted her son’s performance.
The result has not discouraged them from returning next year. She believes that children have plenty of time to grow and learn from every match.
“Don’t be afraid to take part in these auditions. It’s a long journey, and it’s all part of the process. Just go for it,” she said.
For Bu Iyut, unwavering family support remains essential, regardless of how far her child progresses in the selection process.
“The most important thing is to prioritize supporting your child,” she said.
During their stay in Kudus, Rofi and Bu Iyut took time to sample Soto Gobyos Bu Sum. They described the dish as refreshing.
Unlike the traditional Soto Kudus, which typically features water buffalo or chicken in a clear, light broth, Soto Gobyos Bu Sum is served with shredded chicken in a spicy, yellow, herb-rich broth. It also includes cabbage and glass noodles.
The name “gobyos” refers to the profuse sweating one experiences after eating the dish. While traditional Soto Kudus is served with chili paste on the side, the heat in Soto Gobyos Bu Sum is integrated directly into the soup.
Located in Gendang Sewu, Bakalankrapyak, Kaliwungu, the stall operates from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Prices range from IDR 8,000 for a small portion to IDR 10,000 for a large one. Sides such as fritters and skewers start at IDR 1,000, while beverages cost between IDR 2,500 and IDR 3,500.
For Rofi and Bu Iyut, discovering local cuisine is a small part of their Kudus experience, balanced alongside the training and match schedules required for the audition.
This highlights the daily life of visiting participants, who navigate local routines and explore the community beyond the competitive arena.
Life for the participants in Kudus extends beyond the audition. Bu Iyut noted that Rofi maintains morning and afternoon training sessions to stay fit.
School and religious studies remain a priority. Rofi secured school permission before traveling, and his daily schedule is carefully structured to include matches, training, meals, and rest.
Staying near GOR Djarum Jati has proven beneficial, with Bu Iyut noting that the commute to the arena is less than five minutes.
This proximity eases mobility, allowing Rofi to return to their accommodation quickly after training to rest and prepare for his next commitment.
Through several visits to Kudus, this family has developed certain habits, including food preferences. Soto Gobyos has become a favorite meal for the children during their stay in the city.
According to Mrs. Iyut, they eat the dish almost daily while in Kudus. Amidst a demanding schedule of training and matches, choosing familiar food makes managing their routine much more practical.
For parents accompanying audition participants, the children's needs extend well beyond the matches. Factors such as physical condition, training schedules, schoolwork, nutrition, rest, and recovery require constant attention throughout the selection process.
In such situations, the hospitality of local residents proves invaluable. Nanang, for example, goes beyond simply providing lodging; he also serves as a key source of information whenever participants or their parents need assistance with the local surroundings.
These interactions build naturally during their multi-day stay. Some guests even return for future auditions, having become familiar with the area and the people who previously helped them.
The 2026 PB Djarum General Auditions brought together 1,601 participants from various regions, each with different backgrounds and experiences. On the court, they compete to catch the attention of the scouting team, but outside the arena, the journey involves a much wider circle of support.
Parents guide their children through every stage of the selection process. Coaches maintain training programs and ensure player readiness. Meanwhile, residents who provide lodging help newcomers manage their daily needs while in Kudus.
For Nanang, years of hosting participants have given him insight into the diverse journeys of children arriving with shared goals. Some succeed in joining PB Djarum, while others return home with valuable experience to build upon for future attempts.
For Rofi, this year's audition is the next chapter in his pursuit of a spot in PB Djarum. While the results were not as hoped, the door remains open for future attempts. Mrs. Iyut is committed to continuing this journey as long as her son remains determined.
The experience of Rofi's family highlights the complexities of auditioning. Matches are only one part of the journey; maintaining training, monitoring health, keeping up with schoolwork, and managing daily necessities far from home are equally vital.
Moreover, the influx of participants from across Indonesia invigorates the local area. Local boarding houses and guest houses serve as temporary homes, fostering meaningful interactions between hosts and guests through everyday life.
Ultimately, every participant leaves with a different outcome. Some advance, others await new opportunities, and all take home the experience of competing against peers from across the country.
For those traveling from afar, the audition process transcends the arena. Over several days, participants adapt to a new environment, live among residents, and maintain routines with their accompanying parents and coaches.
At GOR Djarum Jati, they pursue their dreams through competition, while just minutes away, local homes offer a place to rest and prepare for the challenges ahead. (OEB/mainkekudus)
