SURAKARTA – Freestyle Boxing Organization (FBO) Indonesia made history once again by successfully hosting the International Freestyle Boxing Exhibition Fight titled “DUEL”, featuring fighters from Indonesia and Timor Leste. The event took place on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at Nawa Bistro (Tawa Bistro), located at Jalan Prof. Dr. Supomo No. 69, Surakarta.
This international showcase served as a key milestone in strengthening sports diplomacy, cross-country sportsmanship, and FBO Indonesia’s commitment to building a professional and dignified combat sports ecosystem.
The event not only presented world-class matches but also reaffirmed sports as a means of unity, character building, and reinforcing national values for the younger generation.
FBO Indonesia as a Platform for Youth Development
Heri Suyanto, S.Mn., a retired TNI Air Force Colonel and member of FBO Indonesia’s Advisory Council, emphasized that the organization exists not only as a competitive sports body but also as a platform for youth social and moral development.
“Freestyle boxing should be a space for healthy, productive, and meaningful enjoyment for Indonesian youth,” he stated. “We encourage FBO as a venue for fun and youth development alike. Through sports, young people’s energy is channeled into positive, disciplined, and high-achieving activities, helping to reduce negative influences such as brawls, drugs, and unregulated social behavior.”
He also commended FBO Indonesia’s growing popularity and prestige. “Congratulations on FBO Indonesia’s success. This is truly uplifting – participation continues to grow and quality keeps improving. I am optimistic that FBO Indonesia will advance further and bring broad benefits to the nation.”
Positive Social Impact Recognized
Welfizon Yuza, President Director of TransJakarta and a member of FBO Indonesia’s Honorary Council, also expressed appreciation, noting that the organization’s activities are a clear example of sports with positive social impact.
“I highly commend today’s FBO Indonesia event. It was exceptionally well-organized and delivers positive value to the younger generation. May all future FBO Indonesia initiatives be successful and smooth,” he said.
According to Welfizon, FBO Indonesia has become a strategic platform for channeling youth hobbies, talents, and competitive spirit through structured, professional sports. “This inspires the creation of more creative and constructive sports activities moving forward.”
Beyond Competition – A Message of Unity
Ferdinand Weimar DJ, Chairman of FBO Indonesia and President of the Timor Leste Federation, emphasized that the “DUEL” Exhibition Fight carries meaning beyond mere competition.
“This Exhibition Fight is an open message that sports are a universal language of unity. Freestyle boxing is not just about technical skill and strength – it is about honor, discipline, sportsmanship, and mutual respect between nations,” Ferdinand stressed.
He noted that bringing Indonesian and Timor Leste athletes together in one arena symbolizes sports maturity and a shared commitment to building healthy, dignified international relations. “We want athletes to compete with clear conscience, uphold sportsmanship, and represent their respective nations with full responsibility. This is the essence of freestyle boxing that FBO Indonesia is building.”
Awards and Professionalization Efforts
As part of the “DUEL” event series, FBO Indonesia presented Certificates of Appreciation to figures and sponsors who actively supported the international showcase. The awards recognized collaboration between the sports and business sectors in advancing professional, independent, and sustainable freestyle boxing development, and were signed by Ferdinand Weimar DJ and Frederico Florindo, representing Glong Han Fighting.
FBO Indonesia also reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining match standards through a National Level Freestyle Boxing Referee-Judge Training and Certification program held on January 25, 2026. During the program, the organization officially issued Certificate No. 03/FBO/BPW/I/2026 to Poei Yonanta Pratama, who passed the assessment – a step toward enhancing competition professionalism and fairness.
Top Athletes and Prestigious Prizes
To strengthen Indonesia’s contingent, FBO Indonesia fielded top national athletes including Alin Anggriyanto (52 Kg) and Faisal Giru (56 Kg), who competed in Street Boxing, Freestyle Boxing, and MMA categories across amateur and professional divisions, in line with FBO’s official regulations.
Indonesian winning fighters received not only gold medals but also a motorcycle as a prize, adding to the event’s prestige and athlete motivation.
Strategic Plans Ahead
Moving forward, FBO Indonesia will pursue several strategic initiatives, including:
– National and international level Freestyle Boxing Exhibitions
– Certification programs for athletes, coaches, and referees-judges
– Collaboration with communities, institutions, and partner countries under the spirit of “FBO Indonesia”
These efforts aim to solidify FBO Indonesia as a leading hub for developing Indonesian athletes and youth.
Closing the event, Ferdinand Weimar DJ shared a national message: “Winning or losing is part of competition. But character, integrity, and honor are timeless values. Through FBO Indonesia, we aim to nurture a generation that is physically strong, mentally mature, and steadfast as Indonesian citizens.”
Reporter: KontribusinPrime News Post / compiled from various media sources / photo: courtesy
