Vice Chairperson of the House Commission X Hetifah Sjaifudian. Photo: Dep/nr

The Indonesia-Argentina friendly match to be staged on 19 June 2023 offers an opportunity for the Indonesian football revival, said Vice Chairperson of the House Commission X Hetifah Sjaifudian, adding that the match is not only about win or lose but also a chance for the national football to rise from its downfall.  

"In 2015, our football association was sanctioned by the FIFA. Then there was the Kanjuruhan tragedy. We also saw Liga 2 and Liga 3 being suspended. And recently, the Indonesia's FIFA U-20 World Cup has been cancelled. And other events that would likely portray Indonesia as 'problematic' in football," she said in a written statement obtained by Parlementaria, Thursday (25/5/2023).

Argentina won the 2022 World Cup title. A team that has the best FIFA world player, Lionel Messi, had been in six World Cup finals, three of which ended in triumphs. The 'La Albiceleste' will play against Indonesia at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium.

On the other hand, the Indonesian national team recently won the gold medal at the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia. "So, the Indonesian men's national football's gold medal at SEA Games indicates that our achievement is on the right track. The forthcoming game against Argentina should be used to reaffirm the commitment to improving our football," said the Golkar Party politician.

She admitted that Indonesia was far below Argentina in the FIFA world rankings; Indonesia ranks 149th, against Argentina in 1st. But, she said this match would be a good opportunity for the Indonesian national team to put their skills to the test and gain experience.

“Football match has always been interesting because anything can happen on the field. Show the world that Indonesia can do it!” she said. (rdn-mut)