Indonesia’s Futsal Breakthrough: Men’s and Women’s Teams Mark Rapid Progress in Asia

KBRN, Jakarta: Indonesia claimed a dramatic 5–3 victory over Japan in the AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026 semifinals which was held at Indonesia Arena, Senayan, Jakarta, on Thursday, 5 February 2026. The result secured Indonesia a place in the tournament final.

The semifinal formed part of the AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026 hosted by Indonesia. Japan entered the match as one of Asia’s most experienced futsal nations.

Indonesian football observer, Malik Wildan, addressed the result in an interview with Voice of Indonesia. He spoke on Friday, 6 February 2026 while discussing national futsal development.

Wildan highlighted progress involving both men’s and women’s teams. “But if we talk about the progress since two to three years, past two, three years, we also talk about the whole progress of the Futsal Federation itself. You know that we're not only progressing in the men's side, but also in the women's side,” he said.

Indonesia’s women’s futsal team has also posted historic achievements in recent regional tournaments. The team reached the SEA Games final for the first time.

It followed their previous bronze medal finish in 2017. “The women's side also reached the very higher stages that we never reached before. For example, the SEA Games as well. We reached the final for very first time in our history. The first medal since 2017 in Kuala Lumpur. The last time we reached bronze. And then we now reach the silver. So, the progress was really massive, you know, inside two to three years,” he said.

Besides, Malik further said development extended beyond match results to competition structures. Indonesia now operates the Professional Futsal League as its top-tier national competition.

Liga Nusantara supports emerging and amateur clubs nationwide. The competition system is applied equally to men’s and women’s futsal programs.

It provides clear pathways from amateur to professional levels. The framework is implemented across Indonesia under the national futsal federation.