KONI inspects Flores venues competing for PON 2028 women’s football

Ende — The Central Indonesian National Sports Committee (KONI) inspection team visited proposed venues in Ende, Sikka and Ngada on Friday, 16 October 2026, as the three Flores regencies compete to host women’s football at PON XXII 2028, according to reports by Pos-Kupang and RRI.

The proposed venues are Marilonga Stadium in Ende, Gelora Samador Maumere in Sikka and Lebi Jaga Stadium in Bajawa, Ngada. The inspection assessed stadium infrastructure, playing surfaces and supporting facilities against national competition requirements.

At Marilonga Stadium, the team examined the field, the competition area, operational rooms and other facilities required for a national-level women’s football tournament. The playing surface was reported to be dry amid drought conditions affecting Ende and other parts of East Nusa Tenggara.

RRI reported that the inspection also considered changing rooms, athletes’ rooms, committee facilities, health services and logistical support. KONI said the visits were intended to confirm venue readiness and support decisions on the sports, events and locations to be finalised in October.

Why the Flores venue decision matters

The venue decision will determine where women’s football is staged during PON XXII 2028 in the joint host provinces of East Nusa Tenggara and West Nusa Tenggara. For Flores readers, the outcome affects local infrastructure preparation in three regencies and the distribution of a national sporting event beyond the provincial capital.

The reports said all three stadiums had potential but still required work. A separate report identified further improvements needed at Lebi Jaga Stadium, while Sikka officials presented Gelora Samador as meeting basic requirements including the grass, field area and lighting.

KONI’s inspection team was led by Mayjen Suwarno and Josef Nae Soi. Technical delegates from the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) also took part in the Ende inspection.

The reports do not state which regency has been selected. RRI said the inspection findings would form the basis for further coordination between KONI, local governments and the relevant technical delegates.

Sources

• Pos-Kupang — regional news report
• RRI — national public radio report