RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian Ministry of Youth and Sports has officially dispatched Indonesia’s U-12 and U-13 student football teams to take part in an international tournament in Bangkok, Thailand.

At the send-off ceremony in Jakarta on Monday, February 2, 2026, the ministry's Secretary-General Gunawan Suswantoro expressed hope that some of the young athletes might one day earn a place on the national team. “I pray that among these two teams, there will be players who eventually join Indonesia’s national squad,” he said, as quoted by Antara.

Gunawan encouraged the players - competing under the banner Garuda Muda Indonesia - to approach the tournament with confidence. He reminded them not to feel inferior to athletes from other countries, but instead to fight hard and showcase Indonesia’s talent. 

Beyond competition, he emphasized the importance of building friendships with peers from across Asia, noting that such connections could prove valuable in the future. “One day, some of you may become leaders in Indonesia, while athletes from other countries may hold high positions in their own nations. If you already know each other, that relationship will matter,” he added.

He also advised the players to maintain their physical condition by eating regularly and staying fit, while acknowledging the crucial support of parents - some of whom will accompany their children to Bangkok. “This support makes the athletes more confident. For parents who cannot join, prayers for their children’s health are equally important,” he said.

Team coach Sapran Oktari explained that the players were selected based on recommendations from coaches at several football schools (SSB) in Jakarta, West Java, and Central Java. Some of the athletes already have international experience, having previously competed in Malaysia.

According to Oktari, the team - sent independently with sponsorship from Gold Coin - has not been given a specific target. Instead, the focus is on gaining valuable experience by competing against players from across Asia. “Our main goal is experience, but of course, winning the championship would be a bonus,” he said. ***