President Jokowi Appreciates Indonesian National Team’s Strong Defense Against Australia

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo watches the 2026 World Cup Qualification for the Asian Zone Group C between Indonesia vs Australia at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, Jakarta (09/10/2024). (Photo: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/Vico)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the results achieved by the Indonesian national football team after holding Australia to a 0-0 draw in the third round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers in the Asian Zone Group C. The match, which took place at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, Jakarta, on Tuesday night (09/10), showed the Garuda squad’s hard work in facing the tough Australian team that currently ranks 24th in FIFA Rankings.

“We should be grateful. Alhamdulillah, we got one point from the match with Saudi Arabia and one more from Australia,” President Jokowi said to media after the match.

The President also emphasized the importance of the additional point to maintain Indonesia’s chances for the 2026 World Cup or the next qualification round. “We hope that by saving points one by one, we can get three points,” the President explained.

The Indonesian national team managed to withstand the onslaught from Australian team thanks to the brilliant performance of all players during the match. President Jokowi specifically highlighted the central role of Indonesian goalkeeper, Maarten Paes, with his several crucial saves.

“I think it was an extraordinary game, thanks to the hard work of all the players, especially the goalkeeper,” stated the President.

President Jokowi fully trusts coach Shin Tae Yong to make an evaluation of the team’s performance. The President stated that the draw result between Indonesia and Australia is an extraordinary achievement, considering the huge gap in FIFA rankings between the two teams.

“Be careful, Australia is ranked 24th while we are 131st. We can get 1 point after the draw result,” the President said.

This draw also increases the confidence of the Indonesian national team to go further in the 2026 World Cup Qualification. For the next qualifiers, the Indonesian national team will play in Bahrain on October 10, 2024, then in China on October 15, 2024. (AW/LW)