Badak Jawa Is Named Bacuya, Officially As The 2023 U-20 World Cup Maskot In Indonesia

Bacuya, the mascot of the 2023 U-20 World Cup in Indonesia/ Photo: Antara

JAKARTA - The Javanese Rhino, named "Bacuya" was officially introduced as the mascot of the 2023 U-20 World Cup in Indonesia which will be held on May 20-11 June 2023.

Bacuya, which means Badak, Cula, Cahaya, appeared wearing the jersey of the red and white Indonesian football national team to be introduced to the public at the Car Free Day (CFD) event in Jakarta, Sunday, September 18.

"The official Mosque of the U-20 World Cup will attract a younger audience in a tournament that is a solid foundation in the development of young football stars around the world," said FIFA Tournament Director Jaime Yarza, quoting Antara, Sunday, September 18.

"Bacuya will play an important role in inviting children and families to come to the stadium and see the world's best young footballers compete for glory next year." he added.

Bacuya represents the energy and enthusiasm of football players and fans in Indonesia. The energy of this rhino character is expected to bring joy and excitement to young people and football fans throughout Indonesia and the world.

Bacuya with burning colorful horns symbolizes the guardians of young talents as well as a beacon for the future of football, especially since the 2023 U-20 World Cup will be a stage for the best talents of football to become a legend of the future.

FIFA has previously released the official logo of the 2023 U-20 World Cup to coincide with Indonesia's Independence Day on August 17. The logo is inspired by the colors of the Indonesian flag, the blue and green sea, and the currents flowing through its archipelago.

The logo has (reflected) Indonesia once so that its mascot must also be like that, and we thank FIFA for accommodating our will to show what is in Indonesia. So the Badak Cula Satu is only in Indonesia, so that has explained that the 2023 U-20 World Cup will be held in Indonesia," said PSSI chairman Mochamad Iriawan.