The Sports Development Institute (LPO) of the Central Board of Muhammadiyah has officially initiated a strategic step to popularize walking football through a partnership with the Indonesian Walking Football Association (Persejasi). This initiative is projected to be a physical activity solution for the 50-and-above age group so they can continue to exercise at a safe intensity.
The meeting held in Yogyakarta set an ambitious target: the formation of 1,000 walking football communities scattered across various regions. Muhammadiyah's vast network, ranging from universities and schools to hospitals, is prepared as the primary channel to socialize this sport adapted from England.
Rector of Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY), Prof. Dr. Achmad Nurmandi, M.Sc., emphasized that Muhammadiyah's infrastructural assets are the main driver. According to him, many Muhammadiyah members still have high enthusiasm for football but face the physical limitations of age, making walking football a highly relevant option.
Chairman of Persejasi, Hendra Hartono, explained that this movement was born out of a health urgency for the elderly to avoid injury risks from forcing themselves to engage in high-intensity sports. Furthermore, this collaboration is expected to boost the national Sports Development Index (IPO) while serving as an educational medium for preventing degenerative diseases such as hypertension and diabetes through Muhammadiyah's healthcare network.
As a concrete step, both parties are currently finalizing plans to organize the Muhammadiyah Walking Football Championship. This competition is not only intended as an internal event but also as preparation for the National Recreational Sports Festival (FORNAS), with plans to expand participation to the Special Branch Boards of Muhammadiyah (PCIM) abroad.
