Bad Record Becomes Indonesia's Challenge In The Duel Against China At SUGBK

Jakarta Ahead of the life-to-life match against China on June 5, 2025 at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK), the Indonesian national team had to face the harsh reality of the long history of meeting the two countries.

Based on data, Indonesia and China have met 19 times since their first meeting on May 12, 1957 in Jakarta. In that match, Indonesia won convincingly 2-0 over China in the 1958 World Cup Qualifiers. However, since then, dominance has been in more hands of China.

Of the total 19 meetings, Indonesia only won 2 times, won 3 draws, and suffered 14 defeats. Even in the last two decades, China has always excelled in the meeting against Indonesia. Indonesia's last victory was recorded more than 65 years ago.

One of Indonesia's worst defeats occurred in the 2004 Asian Cup, when the Garuda squad was beaten 0-5 by China in Beijing. In addition, in the 2002 World Cup Qualification match, Indonesia also fell twice, each with a score of 1-5 at Kunming and 0-2 in Jakarta.

The latest meeting between the two teams took place on October 15, 2024, where Indonesia had to admit China's advantage with a narrow score of 1-2 at Qingdao, in the 2026 World Cup Qualification match in the Asian zone.

"I wasn't there when we were playing away against China, but now we're playing at home. We are confident we can beat them," said Patrick Kluivert, coach of the Indonesian national team.

However, history is not always a determinant. The Indonesian national team, which is now strengthened by young players and appears with a new spirit under the direction of Patrick Kluivert, is determined to end this bad record in front of tens of thousands of supporters at SUGBK.

Especially with the support of aboard players, Indonesia is now no longer the same as Indonesia 10 years ago. This was also acknowledged by Branko Ivanovic, the coach of the Chinese national team.

They have great players. Of course, they are great players. Their experience playing in Europe can bring a lot of positive things to the Indonesian national team. " said the Chinese coach.

Will history change on June 5, or will China's dominance continue? All eyes will be on Jakarta.