Indonesiantalk.com — DPD speaker sends off Indonesian U-17 student team to Bangkok tournaments
Jakarta — Speaker of the Regional Representatives Council (DPD), Sultan Baktiar Najamudin, officially sent off Indonesia’s U-17 student football team to compete in the Mikasa Cup and Volt Eleven International 2026 tournaments in Bangkok, Thailand.
The send-off ceremony took place at the official residence of the DPD speaker in Kuningan, South Jakarta, on Sunday, March 22.
Addressing the young players, Sultan framed football as more than just a sport, describing it as a universal language that transcends national borders.
“Football is one of the highest forms of diplomacy a nation can have. Respect and honor for a country can emerge simply because of the ball,” he said.
His remarks underscored the growing role of sport as a form of soft power in global affairs. According to Sultan, international matches are not merely competitive events but also platforms for representing national dignity.
Grassroots foundation
Sultan highlighted what he described as a longstanding issue in Indonesian football: weak development at the grassroots level. He called for a structured, tiered competition system spanning from villages to the national level as a prerequisite for producing top talent.
“There are no winners without strong competition. The foundation must be built from the bottom — from villages, subdistricts and regencies to provinces,” he said.
In recent years, governance reforms by the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) have begun to show a more systematic direction. Sultan expressed appreciation for these efforts, while stressing that sustainable development ultimately depends on a thriving grassroots ecosystem.
He pointed to the Indonesian Student Football League (BLiSPI) as a key player in that ecosystem, noting its nationwide network and its ability to independently scout young talent and bridge the gap between local potential and the national stage.
A unifying force
Beyond development, Sultan described football as a meeting point for values such as fair competition, teamwork and cross-border collaboration. Amid social and political fragmentation, he said, sport offers a unifying narrative.
“Football unites the nation and, at a certain point, becomes a major industry. What we still lack is a strong focus on nurturing young talent,” he said.
He also urged the players to uphold integrity, sportsmanship and perseverance — qualities he said are often overlooked in the pursuit of instant success.
Quoting Chinese military philosopher Sun Tzu, Sultan said that spirit accounts for half of victory, with the rest determined on the field.
More than a tournament
The Bangkok tournaments mark an early international stage for the young players to test their abilities. For Indonesia, however, the moment carries broader hopes of producing a new generation of footballers capable of competing globally.
As a show of support, Sultan promised a special استقبال upon the team’s return, including a celebratory parade and recognition for outstanding achievements.
“The pride of parents lies in their children’s achievements. And your parents are not only your families, but also the nation and the state,” he said.
The ceremony concluded with a symbolic handover of jerseys. Among those present were Lampung Senator Bustami Zainudin, national football legend Rully Nere and officials from BLiSPI.
Beyond the formalities, the message was clear: the future of Indonesian football will be shaped not only by today’s results, but by a sustained commitment to building a strong development system from an early stage — from village fields to the world’s biggest stadiums.
