How Sports Unite Indonesian Students in UKM

Author: Kinarya Hana Luthfiyah

Editor: Rausyan Kayyis Abrary

Group Photo Futsal (Source: PPI UKM Documentation team)

Every weekend at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), the sound of sneakers squeaking on the court, bursts of laughter, and cheers of encouragement fill the air. To the casual observer, it might just look like another student sports session, futsal, badminton, or a casual match among friends. But for the Indonesian community at UKM, these games mean far more than competition or recreation.

They are a bridge across distance, a way to carry a sense of home thousands of kilometers away, and a medium through which unity among Indonesian students flourishes. Sports have become one of the strongest cultural bonds within the Indonesian community, reminding everyone that no matter how far they are from Indonesia, the spirit of togetherness can always find a home even on a foreign court.

These gatherings are not merely spontaneous games. They are organized weekly by Degree United, a student-led community that focuses on connecting Indonesian undergraduate students through sports and shared experiences. The initiative aims to strengthen solidarity among Indonesians, foster mental and physical well-being, and create a support network that goes beyond academic boundaries. The objective is simple yet profound: to make every Indonesian student feel seen, supported, and part of a larger family.

“We don’t just play to win,” said Naufal Fayyadh, a third-year student from the Faculty of Information Science and Technology, who also leads Degree United, the organization that unites Indonesian undergraduate students in UKM. “These games are where we laugh, tease each other, and catch up about life. They keep us close. It’s like therapy, not the kind you pay for, but the kind you share with friends who understand you.”

He paused for a moment before adding with a grin, “And here, there’s no seniority. Everyone’s welcome, everyone’s equal. The only rule is to have fun.”

Group Photo Badminton (Source: PPI UKM Documentation team)

That sense of warmth resonates with many, including Ahlilal Gibraltar, a second-year student from the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities. “These sessions remind us why we’re proud to be part of this community. Whether you’re in your first or final year, sports make everyone equal. It’s unity in motion.”

For newcomers, joining Degree United’s sports activities is often their first step into the community. Sarhan Anwar Maolani, a first-year student from the Faculty of Economics and Management, admitted that he was nervous at first. “I didn’t know anyone. Everything was new, the environment, the people, even the language felt different sometimes,” he said. “Futsal has become such an important bridge between Indonesian students. For me personally, it really helped me adapt when I first arrived. It was through these games that I got to know many of the seniors first. Coming from a boarding school background, I’ve always seen sports as a great connector between different groups. It’s something that brings people together, builds relationships, and also helps us stay healthy as students abroad.”

Group Photo Futsal (Source: PPI UKM Documentation team)

Beyond the court, these activities are also a reflection of PPI UKM’s broader mission: to nurture leadership, promote collaboration, and create a strong Indonesian presence within the multicultural environment of UKM. Through sports, students learn teamwork, communication, and resilience, values that are essential both in personal growth and academic life. Many participants find that the discipline and camaraderie built through regular matches translate into greater motivation and confidence in their studies.

Every match ends the same way with smiles, high-fives, and sometimes shared meals afterward. For many, these moments become the highlight of their week, a comforting reminder that while they may live in another country, they are never truly alone. Homesickness fades amid the cheers and laughter, replaced by a feeling of belonging that no classroom can teach.

“Sports here are not just about keeping fit,” said Naufal once more. “They’re about keeping the spirit alive. We play, we sweat, we laugh and in doing so, we remind ourselves that we’re part of something bigger. We’re Indonesians, wherever we go.”

These weekly matches, filled with laughter, sweat, and playful banter, have become something sacred for the Indonesian community at UKM. It’s where the boundaries of year and faculty blur, where homesickness fades for a while, and where unity becomes more than just a word, it becomes something they live every weekend.

Group Photo (Source: PPI UKM Documentation team)

For the Indonesian students in UKM, sports are not merely games, they're stories of togetherness, resilience, and love for one another. Beyond the futsal court and badminton net, they have discovered something rare: the strength of a community that keeps them grounded, united, and always ready for the next match.