The Korean Volleyball League (KOVO) 20242025 season was not just a highlight in professional sports, but also a turning point in cultural connection and human compassion. At the heart of this transformation stood Megawati Hangestri Pertiwi, an outstanding Indonesian volleyball player, who completed her second season with the Daejeon Jung Kwan Jang Red Sparks team.
Megawatis remarkable performance on the courmarked by consistent spikes, strategic game vision, and resilience earned her admiration across South Korea.
Yet, beyond her athletic prowess, it was Megawatis personality that sparked a quiet revolution in the hearts of many, especially two young Korean girls named Sieun and Yuna (as they are popularly called in social media).Megawatis presence in South Korea was more than a professional commitment; it was a cultural bridge.
Known for her humility, warm smile, and genuine camaraderie with teammates and fans alike, she brought with her the spirit of Indonesia a blend of kindness, friendliness, and respect.
Through social media, press interviews, and casual public interactions, Megawati shared glimpses of Indonesian life: traditional dances, food, language, and her values of mutual respect and unity. Her influence extended well beyond the volleyball court.
Among those deeply touched by her were Sieun and Yuna, two you girls and volleyball fans in Daejeon. Initially drawn by her talent, the girls began following Megawati closely, attending her matches and even learning a few words in Bahasa Indonesia to cheer her on.
What began as sports admiration evolved into a profound appreciation for a different cultureand, more importantly, a deeper understanding of what it means to be human.Through watching Megawati, Sieun and Yuna began to see volleyball not just as a competitive sport but as a channel for connection.
They noticed how Megawati celebrated every point with her teammates regardless of who scored, how she comforted opponents after tough losses, and how she always bowed in gratitude to the fans. These gestures resonated deeply with the girls. It wasn’t just about winning; it was about respect, teamwork, and peacevalues that transcend nations.
Motivated by Megawatis example, the two girls started a cultural exchange club at their school. They invited Indonesian students in South Korea to share their stories, food, and traditions. The club became a space for mutual learning and friendship.
Sieun and Yuna also began studying more about Southeast Asian cultures and even expressed interest in visiting Indonesia for a student exchange program.In an age when the world is often divided by borders, ideologies, and competition, stories like that of Megawati, Sieun, and Yuna serve as powerful reminders of the unifying power of sports and more importantly, humanity.
While sports often emphasize performance and rivalry, its deeper essence lies in the values it teaches: unity in diversity, perseverance, fair play, and mutual respect.Megawatis time with the Red Sparks did more than elevate her status as a world-class athlete; it sowed seeds of intercultural friendship and peace.
Her influence transformed the hearts of young fans like Sieun and Yuna, proving that even a single individual can be a messenger of unity. Through her personality, she quietly taught the world that sports can go hand in hand with empathy and cultural harmony.In the end, Sieun and Yunas journeyinspired by Megawati—reminds us that the true victory in sports lies not in scores or trophies, but in how it brings people together. From sports to humanity, their story is a testament to the power of compassion, curiosity, and peace in a world that needs it more than ever.
Dr. Djuwari is an Education Observer, English Lecturer at the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP), Nahdlatul Ulama University of Surabaya, Frequently Serves as a Keynote Speaker at International Conferences on Education and Pedagogy.
