The North Central Timor (TTU) Regency Government has officially commenced the 5th Regional Student Sports Week (POPDA V) at the Regency Level for 2026. The opening of this prestigious sporting event was marked by an official ceremony at Oemanu Field, Kefamenanu, led directly by the Assistant for Government and Welfare of the TTU Regional Secretariat, Kristoforus Ukat, representing the Regent of TTU.

In addition to serving as a sports competition platform for students, the opening of POPDA V was also synergized with the launch of a movement to distribute 10 million Red and White flags to the local community. This strategic step was taken as a concrete effort by the local government to strengthen the nationalistic spirit of citizens ahead of the commemoration of the 81st Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia.

The opening ceremony, which began with a marching band performance by SMA Negeri 2 Kefamenanu, saw active participation from 136 educational institutions across the TTU region. The school delegations consisted of 45 primary schools (SD/MI), 67 junior high schools (SMP/MTs), and 24 senior high/vocational schools (SMA/SMK) ready to compete for the best achievements. The event was also attended by the ranks of Forkopimda (Regional Leadership Coordination Forum), representatives of the TTU District Attorney's Office, the Kefamenanu District Court, the Department of Youth and Sports, as well as military personnel from the Yon TP 877/Biinmaffo infantry battalion.

Reading the written address of the Regent of TTU, Kristoforus Ukat expressed his deep appreciation to all supporting elements, from the organizing committee, teachers, and coaches to the students' parents. He emphasized that the essence of POPDA goes far beyond winning medals and titles, serving instead as a forum for shaping the outstanding character of the younger generation through the values of sportsmanship, discipline, hard work, and honesty.

The local government declared its strong commitment to continue supporting the development of the sports sector from an early age. Through consistent and targeted coaching, it is hoped that talented young athletes from the Land of Biinmaffo will emerge, who will not only shine at the provincial level but will also be able to achieve success on national and international stages, while becoming strong pillars supporting the Golden Indonesia 2045 vision.