President Jokowi Hopes Indonesia to Beat Japan in AFC U-19

President Jokowi, accompanied by Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung and East Java Governor Soekarwo, responds to reporters’ questions after commencing Santri Fun Walk, in Sidoarjo, East Java, on Sunday (28/8). (Photo by: Jay/ PR Division)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo hopes Indonesian Team can win the AFC Under-19 Championship quarterfinals match against Japan to be held on Sunday (28/10), coinciding with the commemoration of Youth Pledge (Sumpah Pemuda), at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Jakarta.

“Indonesian U-19 Team must be optimistic and give their best for the nation and the country,” President Jokowi told reporters after commencing Santri (islamic boarding school students) Friends of the People Fun Walk, at Sidoarjo Regency Square, in Sidoarjo, West Java, on Sunday (28/10).

Asking about his score prediction for the match, President Jokowi said that he does not care as long as we win. “We hope that we can win the match, no matter the score is,” he added.

Although the President is unable to directly watch Egy Maulana Fikri and other U-19 athletes fight in the match against Japan’s U-19 National Team, President Jokowi confirmed he will watch the match via live broadcasts from one television station.

On a different occasion, Head Coach of the Indonesia U-19 Team Indra Sjafri confirmed the readiness of the U-19 National Team players to face the match against Japan in the AFC Under-19 quarterfinals on Sunday (10/28) night.

According to Indra, Indonesia has a chance to defeat Japan, the top seed in this tournament.

“We must remain optimistic and fight because the results cannot be predicted. Both Indonesia and Japan have chance to win,” Indra said in Jakarta, Saturday (27/10). (UN/JAY/ES) (RAS/YM/Naster)