The Sports Development Institute (LPO) of the Central Board of Muhammadiyah has officially initiated a strategic collaboration with the Indonesian Walking Football Association (Persejasi). This initiative focuses on the development of walking football, designed specifically for people aged 50 and older.
The meeting, which took place at the Central Board of Muhammadiyah Building in Yogyakarta on Friday (3/7/2026), resulted in an agreement to establish 1,000 walking football communities. This target will be achieved by optimizing Muhammadiyah's extensive network, ranging from universities and schools to healthcare facilities scattered across the country.
The Rector of Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY), Prof. Dr. Achmad Nurmandi, M.Sc., welcomed the plan. According to him, the popularity of football among Muhammadiyah members is very high, but many of them need to adjust their physical intensity as they age. Integrating this sport into Muhammadiyah's charitable enterprises is considered a timely and solution-oriented step.
The Chairman of LPO PP Muhammadiyah, Dr. Gatot Sugiharto, M.H., revealed that this synergy aligns with the pillars of sports development in Muhammadiyah, which cover the education, achievement, and community sectors. The socialization of this sport will later be carried out through the 'Ngaji Olahraga' (Sports Study) program as a means of healthy lifestyle education for members.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Persejasi, Hendra Hartono, explained that walking football is adapted from international rules with adjustments for the physical conditions of the Indonesian people. This sport serves as a preventive measure against health risks for seniors who still want to be physically active on the green field without the risk of excessive injury.
Both parties also plan to organize an internal competition, the 'Muhammadiyah Walking Football Championship', as a stepping stone towards the National Recreational Sports Festival (FORNAS). In the future, the Special Branch Board of Muhammadiyah (PCIM) networks abroad will also be involved to promote this sport on the international stage.
