RRI.CO.ID, Bandung - Satria Muda Pertamina Bandung has strengthened its collaboration with Japanese basketball club Kumamoto Volters. This was demonstrated through a visit by the Kumamoto delegation to Bandung Arena to watch Satria Muda’s match against Rajawali Medan.

Satria Muda Pertamina Bandung is one of Indonesia’s top professional basketball clubs, competing in the Indonesian Basketball League (IBL) and known for its strong track record and player development.

Previously in November 2025, several representatives of Satria Muda visited the Kumamoto Volters’ home base in Japan. The purpose was to observe preparations for a friendly match and the signing of a cooperation agreement for basketball development.

Kumamoto Volters General Manager Nanakawa Ryuhiro said he was impressed by the atmosphere at Bandung Arena. “The arena is good, the atmosphere is warm, and the enthusiasm of the supporters is very impressive,” he said on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.

He emphasized that his side aims to build a stronger relationship with Satria Muda in the future. “From there, various collaborations such as player exchanges, matches, and team visits will develop naturally,” he added.

Satria Muda Managing Director Christian Ronaldo Sitepu stressed that the visit is part of a long-term learning and collaboration process. “Here we learn many things that can be adapted from the development of basketball in Japan,” he said.

According to Dodo, his nickname, through this visit the Japanese side can directly observe Indonesian basketball culture. “So, later they can identify opportunities for future collaboration,” he added.

Satria Muda Sport Director Youbel Sondakh added that this cooperation is a strategic step to boost the national basketball industry. “Japan has a basketball industry that is worth using as a reference,” he continued.

Therefore, Youbel welcomed the collaboration with Kumamoto Volters. “We hope both parties can support each other to develop even better,” he concluded. (Diffa Sephiawardhani/Sri Wahyuni)