WEST BANDUNG – Minister of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions (Mendes PDT) Yandri Susanto ensured that the 2026–2027 Village League (Liga Desa) will be conducted under strict and fair regulations, restricting participation exclusively to local village natives. This aligns with the tournament's objective—as part of the national roadmap toward National Village Day 2027—to serve as a dedicated platform for showcasing grassroots athletic talent.

"There will be no naturalized players and no hired ringers. Players must hold a local village ID card (KTP) for a minimum of two years. Imported players are strictly prohibited—this tournament is purely from the village, by the village, and for the village," Minister Yandri asserted during the Launch of National Village Day 2027 and Kick-Off of the 2026–2027 Liga Desa at the Panglejar Cisomang Barat Field, Cikalong Wetan, West Bandung, on Saturday (October 10, 2026).

Spanning four months, the Liga Desa will feature over 20,000 teams competing for the championship title. The tournament offers IDR 100 million in grand prize money, supplemented by an additional IDR 150 million provided by the Special Presidential Envoy for Youth Development and Creative Workers, Raffi Ahmad.

This incentive is expected to serve as a catalyst for scouting premier athletic talent from rural areas. Minister Yandri expressed confidence that village communities can excel across all fields, including sports, provided they receive structured guidance and uphold integrity throughout the competition.

"Compete with true sportsmanship and zero tolerance for cheating. Let us strengthen brotherhood, foster camaraderie, stimulate village economies, and deepen social cohesion. My message to all 23,000 teams competing over the next four months: please uphold sportsmanship. May the victors remain humble and the runner-ups stay resilient. God willing, Indonesian villages will make us all proud," he elaborated.

Echoing these sentiments, Regent of West Bandung Ritchie Ismail expressed hope that the Liga Desa would ignite community spirit to advance rural development. He noted that the initiative extends beyond economic metrics to encompass human capital development in athletics.

"Liga Desa is not merely about matches and trophy chases; it fosters sportsmanship, uncovers rural athletic potential, promotes healthy living, and instills community pride," Regent Ritchie Ismail stated.

For context, the official kick-off match featured Cisomang Barat Village against Wangunsari Village. Deputy Minister of Villages PDT Ahmad Riza Patria personally awarded cash prizes of IDR 10 million to the champion, Cisomang Barat Village, and IDR 7.5 million to the runner-up, Wangunsari Village, following a 1–0 victory.

Photo: Wening/Kemendes PDT 
Text: Ria/Kemendes PDT