The first day of the Pekan Olahraga, Seni, dan Ilmiah (PORSI JAWARA II, Sports, Arts, and Scientific Week) at UIN K.H. Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur) Pekalongan, Thursday (9/10/2026), marked the beginning of the UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta contingent's journey across a number of competition arenas. From sports and the arts to scientific fields, students began showcasing the abilities and determination they had prepared back in Yogyakarta. Some matches have already reached their final rounds with winners determined, while a number of other branches are still ongoing, awaiting the results of upcoming rounds.

On the first day, the UIN Sunan Kalijaga contingent brought home four medals: one gold medal from rock climbing, one silver medal from women's doubles pencak silat, and two bronze medals, one each from Islamic Pop Solo and men's single pencak silat.

This achievement marks an early step in the series of PORSI JAWARA II matches, which will continue over the following two days. UIN Sunan Kalijaga's delegates will go on to face participants from various State Islamic Religious Higher Education Institutions (PTKIN) across Java and Madura, in a competitive atmosphere bringing together a wide range of student talents.

On this first day, PORSI JAWARA II featured competitions across several branches. In the arts, students competed in categories including Musabaqah Tilawatil Quran (MTQ, Qur'an Recitation), Islamic Pop Solo, and Calligraphy. In sports, competitions included volleyball, futsal, chess, badminton, table tennis, rock climbing, and pencak silat.

Competitions were also held in academic fields, including Arabic Debate, English Debate, Moot Court, and Constitutional Debate. This range of branches shows that PORSI JAWARA is not limited to measuring physical ability alone but also opens space for students to sharpen their creativity and critical thinking.

UIN Sunan Kalijaga Rector, Prof. Noorhaidi Hasan, expressed appreciation to all members of the contingent who have carried the name of UIN Sunan Kalijaga into the event.

“Congratulations to all members of the UIN Sunan Kalijaga contingent competing at PORSI JAWARA II. Good luck, and give it your best,” he said.

Prof. Noorhaidi emphasized that achievement remains important in any competition. However, he said, such results need to be earned while upholding sportsmanship and giving each participant's full ability.

“Win various championships, but with spirit and a sportsmanlike attitude. Insya Allah, we will show our best and give everything we have to bring honor and progress to UIN Sunan Kalijaga,” he said.

That message found its context in the matches the students took part in. Each branch presents its own set of challenges, but all of them demand readiness, perseverance, and the courage to perform in front of participants from various universities.

UIN Sunan Kalijaga Vice Rector for Student Affairs and Cooperation, Prof. Abdur Rozaki, sees PORSI JAWARA as a space for student learning that goes beyond results on the scoreboard.

“Through sports, our students learn about discipline, sportsmanship, and perseverance. Through the arts, students learn to develop sensitivity and creativity, while also seeing the world from different perspectives. And through academic competitions, students are trained to think rationally and critically, and to find solutions to the problems they face,” he explained.

For that reason, according to Prof. Rozaki, who also chairs the Forum of Vice Rectors III for PTKIN institutions, this second PORSI JAWARA will help shape students who are physically healthy, mentally strong, and sharp in their thinking.

For the UIN Sunan Kalijaga contingent, the four medals won on the first day serve as an early foothold for continuing the fight in the matches to come.

Behind these results, a number of matches still remain for the UIN Sunan Kalijaga contingent to face. Each match is an opportunity to test their preparation, learn from their opponents, and bring new experiences back to Yogyakarta.

“To the UIN Sunan Kalijaga contingent: compete with all your fighting spirit. Hopefully we'll come out on top!” said Prof. Rozaki enthusiastically.

PORSI JAWARA II has thus become more than just an arena for collecting medals. Within it, students learn to compete while also learning to handle both victory and defeat, manage pressure, respect their opponents, and show their best ability in the name of their alma mater.

The first day has come to a close with four medals in hand. The journey of the UIN Sunan Kalijaga contingent continues. (humassk)