The euphoria of the 2026 World Cup in Batam was not only felt in the bustling city center. On Sunday (July 12), residents of Sekupang District opted for a calmer and more refreshing atmosphere by hosting a joint screening (nobar) at the Lembah Pelangi nature tourism area in Tanjung Pinggir Village.
Organized by the Sekupang District Nobar Committee, the event presented a unique family recreation concept. Instead of being indoors, spectators were treated to views of green hills and cool, refreshing air. This initiative was intentionally designed to foster a warmer social interaction space within the community.
The manager of Lembah Pelangi, Odit Kuswar Lubis, explained that they wanted to provide a football-watching experience that was different from the usual. By utilizing the open space and lush forest of Lembah Pelangi, the joint screening was not merely an event to display fan loyalty to a football team, but also a means to strengthen community bonds.
This tourist area is indeed family-friendly. While parents watched the quarter-final match between Argentina and Switzerland, children were free to play in the available open area. Supporting facilities such as photo spots and light trekking trails added to the attraction for visitors who came with extended families.
One of the visitors, Andi Saputra, expressed appreciation for this concept. He felt accommodated because he could bring his family for a vacation while pursuing his passion for watching a prestigious world-class match without getting bored.
Lembah Pelangi itself is often a location for various outdoor activities for the local community. Through the momentum of the World Cup, it is hoped that social relations among residents will become even stronger, using green public spaces as a place to unwind and share happiness through sports.
