The amateur mixed martial arts sport in North Maluku has entered a new chapter with the official formation of the Indonesia Amateur Mixed Martial Arts (IBCA MMA) board of North Maluku Province for the 2025–2029 period. In a meeting held at the Bappelitbangda Office of Ternate City on Wednesday (29/7/2026), the Regional Secretary of Ternate City, Dr. H. Rizal Marsaoly, SE., MM., was elected by acclamation as the General Chairman.
This important event was opened directly by the Vice Governor of North Maluku who is also the General Chairman of KONI North Maluku, Sarbin Sehe. The agenda was also attended by the Head of the Youth and Sports Agency (Dispora) of Ternate City, Sutopo Abdullah, and virtually joined by the Secretary General of the Central Board (PP) of IBCA MMA, Maraden Lumbantoruan.
After being appointed as the organization's leader, Rizal Marsaoly expressed his appreciation for the trust placed in him. He emphasized his commitment, along with the entire management team, to manage IBCA MMA North Maluku professionally and transparently to advance mixed martial arts in the region.
As a tactical step, the new management will focus on institutional strengthening and drafting a systematic work program. Rizal added that continuous early-stage athlete development is a top priority to nurture local talent capable of competing at the national level, including targeting gold medals at the National Sports Week (PON).
This vision aligns with the expectations of KONI North Maluku, which aims to make IBCA MMA one of the region's flagship sports. Once the decree of management (SK) is issued by the Central Board of IBCA MMA, athlete development programs and organizational expansion will immediately roll out to all regencies and cities in North Maluku.
