RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Three young footballers from the Papua Football Academy (PFA) are preparing for a three-week training camp and selection program in Austria, and before their departure, they received words of encouragement directly from Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka.

In a meeting at the Vice-Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, VP Gibran urged the athletes to carry the pride of Indonesia with them. “They must make Indonesia proud, honor their families, and contribute positively to football and society. This is a valuable opportunity for them,” PFA Director Wolfgang Pikal said, as quoted on the Vice-Presidential official website, recounting the Vice President’s message.

One of the athletes, Dovi Theofilus Salossa, expressed his excitement after meeting VP Gibran. “We had a chance to talk with the Vice President. I’m very happy to meet him. His advice was to stay motivated, focused, and keep learning,” Dovi said.

During the meeting, the athletes presented Gibran with a jacket and football for his signature, which they described as a symbol of support and blessing. In return, the Vice President gifted them football shoes.

Rizky Aidi, Director of PT Garuda Gemah Nusantara, the company managing PFA, highlighted the broader mission of the program. “This initiative is about nurturing talent from Papua and the eastern regions of Indonesia. With Freeport Indonesia’s support since 2022, we’ve been able to provide these young players with opportunities to compete internationally. Three weeks in Austria with local clubs is a chance to showcase their skills and open doors to professional careers,” he said.

The Vice President’s office emphasized that the meeting aligns with President Prabowo’s eight-mission Astacita vision, particularly in strengthening human resources and ensuring equal opportunities for youth across Indonesia. “The government is committed to ensuring that talents from all regions, including Papua, gain access to training, facilities, and international networks as part of the transformation toward Indonesia Emas 2045,” the official statement read. ***