The Passion of Nationalism from the Indonesian National Team Spectator Stand

“Yo, come on/Come on Indonesia/I want you to win.” The roar has become a mandatory song chanted by supporters at every match.

Other calls were more like, “Indonesia/Indonesia” followed by clapping and five-time rhythmic drum beats that echoed repeatedly.

The stadium stands witnessed the surge of nationalism. The Garuda national team's 1-0 victory over China (05/06/2025), for example, was witnessed by tens of thousands of spectators.

No less than 80,000 tickets were sold out in just two days. The enthusiasm of the audience was met with the certainty of the national team's continued progress to the fourth round of the World Cup qualifiers.

Although held at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium in Jakarta, supporters of the national team came from all corners of the region. Amidst the political turmoil and economic uncertainty, the stands of the stadium were always filled with energy and hope.

National team football matches are always captivating not only for football enthusiasts. Those who have never watched football also flock to the stadium to witness the national team's matches.

Even when the national team had to visit Japan for the final match of the third round, although Indonesia ultimately lost to Japan, around 5,000 Indonesian citizens in Japan attended the stadium. The number confirmed by the Consulate General of Indonesia in Osaka and the Embassy of Indonesia in Japan reflects the sustained enthusiasm of the spectators.

Support for the Indonesian national team has now expanded into the digital realm, not just in the stadiums. The digital stands have become an extension of the physical stands, where fans express their support, criticism, and even moral pressure on the federation.

From June 3 to June 10, 2025, several hashtags related to the national team appeared in the national trending list on the X (Twitter) and TikTok platforms. The hashtag #SupportTheNationalTeam appeared more than 120,000 times, followed by #GarudaFight (87,000).

These hashtags may merely be expressions of fleeting emotions, yet they remain indicators of public opinion regarding the performance of the team and the policies of the Indonesian football federation.

One of the support choreography videos at GBK uploaded on TikTok has been viewed more than 620,000 times and received 50,000 interactions within a span of two days.

Another video, showing the diaspora singing together in Osaka, has been viewed 210,000 times in 24 hours.

Supporters of the national team have formed a network of criticism and solidarity across locations through social media. This digital platform allows for comprehensive and documented support for the national team in real-time, while also reminding supporters to remain responsible.

The phenomenon of Indonesian football supporters during the national team's journey to the 2026 World Cup illustrates how national identity is shaped not only by state institutions but also by collective emotional experiences.

Through their physical presence in the stadium and digital participation on social media, supporters significantly contribute to a more flexible, participatory, and autonomous sense of nationalism.

Reading this phenomenon, Michael Billig's theory of banal nationalism can be used to clarify it. According to him, everyday nationalism often appears in subtle forms, such as flags in the stands, national anthems, or national team attributes.

In the context of Indonesia, this nationalism is no longer merely symbolic, but actively manifests itself through actions: purchasing tickets, wearing red and white, and cheering together. This is a form of what Anthony D. Smith refers to as an "emotional community" bound to national symbols.

Interestingly, this phenomenon emerged amidst continuing public skepticism towards official institutions such as PSSI.

Rather than weakening nationalism, criticism of the association actually strengthens it in the form of horizontal solidarity among citizens.

In moments such as the matches against China and Japan in June 2025, fans demonstrated that nationalism can grow from the grassroots – through solidarity in cheering, rather than through formal and rigid state ceremonies.

Amid the rising cynicism towards state institutions, football offers one exception: a space where the people still believe that collective struggle can yield results. It is not surprising that supporters continue to attend, despite their disappointment. They are angry, yet still wish to believe.

This trust certainly increases when the Indonesian national team shows a significant positive trend in the FIFA ranking.

After winning 1–0 against China (June 5, 2025), Indonesia surged from the 123rd to the 117th position in the world rankings, even briefly reaching the 116th rank. Although there will be a slight decline following the loss to Japan, the upward trend continues.

This upward trend demonstrates the momentum of the revival of national football: from a stagnant ranking, Indonesia is now rising through its performance in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers and massive supporter backing. This is aimed at achieving higher targets.

The state, both through the Ministry of Youth and Sports and PSSI, should start to take the enthusiasm of Indonesian football fans seriously.

The determination that has been fully sold out, the packed stadium, and the hashtags that express hope and concern serve as indicators of a tangible social legitimacy.

Better management coupled with ongoing dialogue will be a good basis for future policies regarding national football.

This positive step represents a concrete effort by the state amidst the national team's endeavor to achieve the grand dream of participating in the 2026 World Cup. (KOMPAS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT)