Indonesian Youth Team Highlights Child Rights at 2026 Street Child World Cup

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Football has become a way for children from vulnerable communities in Indonesia to voice their rights on the global stage. Through the 2026 Street Child World Cup, the Garuda Baru Team departed for Mexico City on May 3, 2026, to compete and deliver a message about the importance of child protection and education.

The ten‑player team was selected through a rigorous process from among 170 children who underwent a year‑long training program. The players come from various communities in Jakarta and surrounding areas, many of them from challenging backgrounds.

The Street Child World Cup is an international football event that brings together socially vulnerable children from across the globe. It serves as a platform for them to advocate for their rights to education, protection, and a decent life.

Garuda Baru founder Mahir Bayasut explained that Indonesia’s participation is a collaboration between the Sahabat Anak Foundation (YSA), the Transmuda Energi Nusantara Foundation (TEN), and the Modern Diakoneia Campus Foundation (KDM).

“We want to ensure that these children have the opportunity not only to perform on the world stage but also to convey the message that every child has the right to protection, education, and a decent life,” Mahir said, as quoted by Antara.

The ten selected players are Samuel Steven Siagian, Deno Mazra Rasyid, Aryo Topan Artha Gading, Mohamad Azriel Aliansyah, Rizki Firmansyah, Javasha, Danar Saputra, Dino Siswanto, Izul Hamid, and Raehan Alfarezi.

Beyond competing on the field, the players also participated in international children’s forums to share their experiences and challenges.

“We didn’t come to Mexico just to play football. We brought stories about what it’s like to grow up in an environment that isn’t always safe, and why every child deserves a better life,” said team captain Topan. ***