Puan Calls The Indonesia Vs China Match A Symbol Of People's Pride, Affirms The Importance Of State Support

DOK ANTARA PHOTO/Muhammad Adimaja/sgd/Spt.

JAKARTA - The Indonesian National Football Team will face the Chinese National Team in the 2026 Asian Zone World Cup Qualification match at the Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) Main Stadium tonight.

DPR Speaker Puan Maharani said the match between the Indonesian national team and China was not only a matter of winning or losing, but also a reflection of the hopes and pride of the nation which needed the support of the state.

"This is a big stage where the nation's collective spirit is tested, where the hopes of young Indonesians to dream higher are placed on the green grass of our proud stadium," said Puan Maharani, Thursday, June 5.

"We are not talking about 11 people running after the ball. We are talking about national pride, about the pride of millions of people who want to see the Red and White fly on the world stage," he said.

For information, the Indonesian national team will host the Chinese national team in the key match of the 2026 World Cup Asian Zone qualification at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium (GBK), Senayan, Jakarta on Thursday, June 5, evening. Indonesia can qualify for the fourth round if it manages to steal three points from China and is perched in the top four of the group standings.

Puan also pays great attention to this momentum. Because according to him, football and sports are generally universal languages that unite the nation, cross political, social and economic barriers.

"When the national team competes, all become one," said Puan.

However, behind the roar of the stadium and the cheers of supporters of the Indonesian national team, Puan highlighted the complete state presence to support the national sports system, especially related to the development of the seeds of domestic football athletes who are able to compete with foreign players.

"Currently, young talents in remote parts of the country have fair access to coaching? Has the sports budget been managed in a transparent, on target, and long-term oriented manner?" Puan asked.

Therefore, Puan emphasized that support for Indonesian football must not stop at billboards and social media uploads. But what is most needed is policy consistency, courage to evaluate federations and sports institutions, as well as real investment in physical education, infrastructure, and athlete welfare.

"The national team could have won today, but what is more important is to ensure that the next generation does not grow up with a fragile sports system," said Puan.

Puan ensured that the DPR as a representative of the people was ready to oversee the direction of national sports development to make it more inclusive, just and measurable.

"Because Indonesia's dream to enter the World Cup is not only football's ambition but also a symbol that the nation's children have the right to believe that the hard work, discipline, and support of the state can lead them to achieve their best," said Puan.

"And for that, we all have to be present not only in the stands, but in every policy that touches the roots of Indonesian sports coaching," he continued.

Puan also invited all people to provide support for the Indonesian national team who will compete against China tonight. He believes the Indonesian national team can bring pride to the nation and state.

"Tonight's match will be a symbol of people's hope and pride. We hope that the Indonesian national team can perform optimally and give the best results. Performance with Garuda Muda Indonesia," said Puan.