The euphoria of the grand 2026 World Cup event in Padang City was reflected not only on television screens, but also through a wave of enthusiasm from residents crowding the public watch party area. The event, held in the courtyard of the TVRI West Sumatra station office on Tuesday night (7/7/2026), served as a magnet for hundreds of people eager to watch the fierce Round of 16 match between Argentina and Egypt.
Present on the occasion were the Deputy Mayor of Padang, Maigus Nasir, alongside the Regional Secretary of West Sumatra Province, Arry Yuswandi, and members of the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda). The presence of these local officials underlines the government's support for initiatives capable of creating positive social interaction spaces for the wider community.
In his remarks, Deputy Mayor Maigus Nasir expressed high appreciation to TVRI West Sumatra. According to him, this international sports momentum was successfully transformed into an effective medium for fostering unity and maintaining harmony within the Padang community. "Events like this are not just entertainment, but a crucial means to strengthen communal bonds and reinforce social interaction among residents," he stated.
Echoing this sentiment, the Head of TVRI West Sumatra Station, TB M. Yusuf Hidayat, explained that this initiative is an embodiment of TVRI's commitment as the official broadcasting rights holder for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Indonesia. They aim to deliver an inclusive viewing experience so that all levels of society can directly feel the excitement of the global football festival.
To delight the attending audience, the organizing committee presented various supporting activities, such as interactive games and score-guessing quizzes with millions of rupiah in prizes. The atmosphere at the venue was vibrant, with spectator cheers accompanying the match until the final whistle blew.
The synergy between the regional government and the public broadcasting institution is expected to spark a broader spirit of togetherness. More than just a sporting event, this watch party proves that football possesses the power to unite differences and deliver healthy entertainment for all Padang residents.
