Indonesia Sets Southeast Asian Record as National Futsal Team Defeats Australia 3–1 Before 15,000 Fans
Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Indonesia’s national futsal team made history on Saturday by defeating Australia 3-1 in front of a record-breaking crowd of 15,337 spectators at Indonesia Arena, setting a new Southeast Asian attendance record for a futsal match. The friendly fixture also counted as part of FIFA Match Day.
Propelled by the roaring home crowd, the “Garuda” squad took an early lead and maintained their advantage throughout the match, overcoming the Australian side with confidence and precision. The landmark attendance figure reflected the growing popularity of futsal in Indonesia and the region.
“We are grateful for the support from all stakeholders,” said Games of Society CEO Novel Leonardo during a press briefing in Jakarta on Sunday. “First, the fans who wanted to make history together, then the sponsors, government, and media. I did not expect everything to go this well,” he added.
Leonardo hailed the occasion as a milestone for Indonesian futsal, describing it as a step toward building a more professional, high-quality, and engaging sporting culture. “Our goal is to raise the level of futsal in Indonesia. It’s not just about 15,000 spectators, but how we ensure the best experience for everyone watching,” he emphasized.
He also noted the operator’s commitment to broadening futsal’s reach through live streaming and digital engagement. “But honestly, I’m proud of the 15,000 attendees,” Leonardo said with satisfaction.
The record-setting international friendly was complemented by the Futsal Series final, also held at Indonesia Arena, where SMA 1 Ciruas Tasikmalaya triumphed 2-1 over SMKN 2 Surabaya to claim their first national title of 2025.
The event showcased Indonesia’s rising enthusiasm for futsal, combining international competition with youth-level championships to inspire the next generation of players.
