FIFA Praises Football Development in ASEAN and Indonesia

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto received FIFA President Gianni Infantino, accompanied by Youth and Sports Minister Erick Thohir, at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.

Minister Erick said the meeting between Infantino and President Prabowo reflected a friendship that has developed through several previous encounters at international events.

"This meeting is between the FIFA president and the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Mr. Prabowo. President Gianni has visited Indonesia nearly four times, first when we hosted the FIFA U-17 World Cup and now for the FIFA ASEAN Cup," Minister Erick told reporters before meeting President Prabowo.

He added that President Prabowo and Infantino had met several times before, including in New York and Paris. According to Minister Erick, the meeting at the Presidential Palace was a continuation of those earlier discussions.

Before meeting President Prabowo, Infantino praised football development in the ASEAN region and Indonesia's hosting of the FIFA ASEAN Cup.

"So far, the tournament has been a tremendous success and has involved the entire ASEAN region. Indonesia has been an outstanding host for ASEAN's best teams," Infantino said, as quoted by Antara.

According to Infantino, enthusiasm for football across ASEAN remains strong. He said the level of play continues to improve, as reflected in high spectator attendance and the competitive atmosphere at matches.

"Football is truly alive in this region. There is immense passion for the sport, and we can see that the level of play is excellent. Spectators are coming to the stadiums," he said.

Infantino also expressed his pleasure at returning to Indonesia and being involved in another FIFA tournament in the country. He described the FIFA ASEAN Cup as an important competition and hoped it would pave the way for future editions.

"I am delighted to be back in Indonesia. I am also very happy to organize a FIFA event here once again. This is not the first one, but it is very important," Infantino said.

"This is the first FIFA ASEAN Cup. Hopefully, it will be the first of many editions to come. I am also pleased to meet again with a president who loves football and loves his country," he added. ***