Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia After Watching Indonesia vs Argentina FIFA Friendly Match at Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, Special Capital Region of Jakarta, June 19, 2023
Journalist
Your comment on today’s match, Sir?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Splendid! I think the hard work of our players is extraordinary. We both know that Argentina [FIFA’s ranking] is in the first place and we are in the 149th, but we can keep up. We can match their rhythm, even though we conceded two goals, but I noted that we can play equally. And, I think, we hope this is the beginning of the revival of Indonesian football. We often play against higher-ranking clubs, previously we were playing against Palestine, whom is placed at the 93rd, we were able to hold off 0-0. Then, this is [match] against Argentina, once again, the first place one, we are the 149th, merely conceded two goal. Splendid!
Journalist
Do you mean you are happy with the result, Sir?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
It means, this is a major experience for the players, since we saw that they were a bit nervous, still mentally nervous at the beginning. Nevertheless, they were played extraordinary game in the second half, they can match the flow [of the opponent] and make it as an experience as well as an evaluation for our national team.
Journalist
Did you get nervous while watching the game, Sir?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
In the beginning, yes. I was afraid we would be conceded many goals, but it turned out to be good. Good, good.
Journalist
The final score is 0-2, but you think the game is good?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Yes, that was a good game, a good one. I repeat, the first place versus the 149th place. And I think the Head of Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) will continue to bring in major world’s teams, so that we get more experience. The more our team competes, the more experience our team can get.
Journalist
Do you have any plans, maybe to invite Brazilian national team or something, Sir?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
You may ask to the PSSI Head. Don’t address that question to a President.
Head of Indonesian Football Association [PSSI] (Erick Thohir)
Do not rush. Please be patient. Let us wait and see next year.
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Inviting such major national team, let alone the first place one, is not an easy task, if the Head is not Mr. Erick Thohir. We have to say what it is.
Journalist
How come there is Jan Ethes with you?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
I don’t know. Suddenly he came with me.
Journalist
What do you feel?
Jan Ethes
I am happy.
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
He always watched the match. What did you watch previously?
Jan Ethes
Indonesia versus South Korea at Manahan [Surakarta].
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
And now you are watching Indonesia versus Argentina.
(GWH/LW)