The Indonesian Dragon and Lion Dance Federation (Federasi Olahraga Barongsai Indonesia or FOBI) has taken another significant step in expanding its organization in the eastern region of Indonesia. During the Provincial Working Meeting (Rakerprov) and Provincial Congress (Musprov) of the Papua Selatan Provincial Sports Committee (KONI), held on May 9–10, 2025, at Swiss-Belhotel, Merauke, FOBI Papua Selatan was officially accepted as a member sport under KONI Papua Selatan.
The event was organized by KONI Papua Selatan and attended by 35 participants, including representatives from 29 provincial sports federations, 3 KONI branches from various districts, and 1 representative from the Central KONI. The two-day event, which started at 9:00 AM WIT, focused on the election of the new chairman of KONI Papua Selatan and strengthening the organizational structure of sports in the region.
During this forum, FOBI Papua Selatan was formally accepted as a member of KONI Papua Selatan, marking a new chapter for the development of dragon and lion dance as a recognized competitive sport in Papua. This membership opens greater opportunities for athlete development, training programs, and participation in both regional and national sports events.
FOBI Papua Selatan is currently led by Emmanuel Ade Christanto Luika, S.E., who serves as the Provincial Chairman. Under his leadership, FOBI Papua Selatan is committed to advancing the sports of dragon dance, lion dance, and pekingsai as competitive disciplines that are active and competitive in the Papua Selatan region. The official inclusion of FOBI within KONI’s structure is expected to strengthen collaboration among other sports organizations in the area.
In addition, the Musprov also resulted in the election of Mr. Antonius K. Kaize, S.H. as the Chairman of KONI Papua Selatan for the 2025–2029 term. His leadership is anticipated to bring new energy and vision in advancing the overall sports movement in this newly established province.
The event also featured representatives from Central KONI as speakers who shared insights on the direction and policies for sports development in Papua Selatan. The congress proceeded in an orderly manner and was filled with a spirit of unity and cooperation among all sports representatives.
The official acceptance of FOBI Papua Selatan as a KONI member is a strategic milestone in strengthening and expanding FOBI’s organizational presence at the provincial level. In the future, it is expected that FOBI Papua Selatan will play an active role in achieving sporting excellence, nurturing athletes, and promoting dragon and lion dance as recognized competitive sports in eastern Indonesia.
Source: Secretariat of FOBI
 and Provincial Congress (Musprov) of the Papua Selatan Provincial Sports Committee (KONI),){kind=link}