Grateful for Indonesia-Australia AFC qualifier draw: Widodo

President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) expressed his appreciation following Indonesia’s goalless draw with Australia in their Group C match of the 2026 AFC World Cup qualifiers. Speaking to the press after the match at Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) Main Stadium in Jakarta, Jokowi highlighted the significance of the point gained from the match.

“We should be grateful; thank God, we got one more point after the draw against Saudi Arabia,” Jokowi said, commending the national football team’s effort against a higher-ranked Australian side. He specifically praised the team’s goalkeeper, Maarten Paes, for his crucial saves that kept Australia from scoring.

Jokowi’s remarks also reflected hope for Indonesia’s future in the qualifiers. “I hope that with this additional point, we can build towards more victories and increase our chances of qualifying for the World Cup finals,” he said, noting the importance of accumulating points in the qualifying rounds.

At the time of the match, Indonesia was in fourth place in the Group C standings with two points from two matches, while Australia was in fifth place with one point. Over 70,000 spectators attended the game, and Jokowi’s presence at the stadium was seen as a gesture of support and encouragement for the national team, as noted by Yusuf Permana, deputy for protocol, press, and media at the Presidential Secretariat.

• Match Highlights and Analysis:
  • Detailed match reports on the Indonesia vs. Australia game, including key moments, player performances, and tactical analysis.
  • Expert commentary on how the draw affects Indonesia’s chances in the World Cup qualifiers.
• Indonesia’s World Cup Qualification Campaign:
  • Updates on Indonesia’s progress in the 2026 AFC World Cup qualifiers, including upcoming fixtures and standings.
  • Historical context on Indonesia’s performance in past World Cup qualifiers and comparisons with current campaigns.
• Maarten Paes’s Performance:
  • In-depth profiles or interviews with Maarten Paes discussing his role in the game and his overall contributions to the national team.
  • Analysis of key saves and defensive strategies employed by the goalkeeper during the match.
• Fan Reactions and Support:
  • Coverage of the fan experience at the Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) Main Stadium, including reactions from the over 70,000 spectators.
  • Stories highlighting the enthusiasm and support of Indonesian football fans during the qualifiers.
• Jokowi’s Support for Sports:
  • Articles exploring President Jokowi’s broader involvement and support for Indonesian sports and how he encourages national teams.
  • Insights into other initiatives or programs led by Jokowi to promote sports and national pride.
• Group C Qualifier Standings and Implications:
  • Current standings of Group C in the World Cup qualifiers and how other results affect Indonesia’s position.
  • Potential scenarios and strategies for Indonesia to advance to the next stage of the qualifiers.
• Football Development in Indonesia:
  • Discussions on the state of football development in Indonesia, including grassroots programs, coaching, and infrastructure improvements.
  • Interviews with coaches, players, and officials about the future of Indonesian football and their plans for improvement.