RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia has dispatched its Garuda Muda youth football teams to compete in the AFC Vietnam Hanoi International 2026, with officials emphasizing the importance of international exposure in developing the country's next generation of football talent.

The Indonesian Ministry of Youth and Sports officially sent off the U-12 and U-14 school football teams in Jakarta on Monday, June 15, 2026, expressing hopes that the 24 selected players will achieve strong results while gaining valuable experience on the international stage.

"This is a very proud moment. We are sending some of the nation's best young talents, who have gone through a long process of training, selection, and preparation, to represent Indonesia in an international school football competition," said a senior planner representing the ministry, Ambar Basuki, as quoted on the Youth and Sports Ministry official website.

Basuki emphasized that participation in the tournament goes beyond results, portraying the teams as embodiments of Indonesia’s spirit, character, discipline, and the future of its football. He said the players serve as ambassadors for the country and will demonstrate that Indonesia's younger generation possesses strong competitiveness and sportsmanship.

He stressed that in youth football development, winning is not the sole objective. International competition experience plays a crucial role in learning, personal growth, and character building.

"We hope the athletes will demonstrate integrity, discipline, resilience, respect for opponents, and a commitment to international friendship as both students and athletes representing Indonesia," he said.

The ministry encouraged the players to compete with confidence and uphold the values of fair play, viewing each match as an opportunity to learn, improve, and bring pride to Indonesia.

Basuki reaffirmed the government's commitment to supporting youth football development as part of broader efforts to strengthen national sporting achievements. He said investing in young athletes today would provide a foundation for Indonesia's future success on the world stage.

"The experience gained in Vietnam is expected to improve the players' technical abilities, competitive mentality, international outlook, and character as future footballers for Indonesia," he added.

He also thanked coaches, team officials, and parents for their dedication and support throughout the players' development process. Officially sending off the teams, Basuki urged the players to compete with pride and honor the Indonesian flag during the tournament in Vietnam. ***