The euphoria of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is not only felt in stadiums but is also beating strongly in the heart of Jepara city. The Jepara Regency Government took advantage of the momentum of this quadrennial tournament through a program titled 'Bola Gembira' (Happy Football), which effectively revived public spaces while driving the local community's economy.
The atmosphere at Jepara 1 Town Square suddenly buzzed as hundreds of enthusiastic residents gathered to watch the round of 16 match between Portugal and Spain in the early hours of Tuesday (7/7/2026). The event, held in a warm and friendly atmosphere, successfully brought together various elements of society, undivided by age or social background.
Deputy Regent of Jepara, Muhammad Ibnu Hajar, who was present at the location, emphasized that this public screening initiative was not merely an entertainment agenda. According to him, utilizing public space supported by official broadcast access is a strategic step to trigger economic productivity, especially for the informal sector in the region.
The economic impact of this activity was tangible for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Throughout the match, the area around the town square became a bustling hub for food and beverage trade. In addition, the local transportation sector also benefited from a surge in delivery orders for motorcycle taxi drivers (ojek online).
One online motorcycle taxi driver, Umar, revealed that his income increased significantly by more than 100 percent during the public viewing events. The local government hopes that this pattern of social interaction combined with economic activity can be maintained, creating a sustainable multiplier effect for the welfare of Jepara residents throughout the 2026 World Cup.
