The Indonesian National Team Doesn't Need to Worry About Lack of Support

In the past month, Muhammad Erlangga (39) has been busier than usual. In addition to intensively coordinating with PSSI, he is also actively communicating with other Indonesian supporters who wish to watch the Group B match of the fourth round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers between the Indonesian national football team and Saudi Arabia.

The match will take place at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Thursday (9/10/2025) at 00:15 WIB. As the Chairman of Garuda Saudi, the supporters' group for the Indonesian national team in Saudi Arabia, Erlangga feels it is necessary to prepare well to welcome the Indonesian national team and supporters coming from the homeland.

Garuda Saudi serves as the main link for ticket distribution for supporters of the Indonesian national team, especially those residing in Saudi Arabia. The sales can be conducted through two channels, namely through Garuda Saudi and the Kitagaruda website.

Previously, PSSI announced the ticket sales prioritized for supporters of Indonesia in the Middle East. The prices vary and are affordable, ranging from the most expensive at 20.95 riyals or approximately 90 thousand rupiah to the cheapest at 6.95 riyals (30 thousand rupiah).

The issue of tickets, Erlangga stated, posed a challenge for Garuda Saudi, especially when the tickets had not yet been released. They had to inform and educate supporters of the national team about the tickets that had been guaranteed by SAFF (Saudi Arabian Football Federation) and PSSI to be made available for Indonesian supporters.

Erlangga stated that Indonesia has a quota of 8 percent of the stadium's capacity, which is approximately 4,182 seats. In terms of numbers, Indonesian supporters are outnumbered by the hosts. However, Erlangga assured that the "Garuda" squad will not lack support there.

Erlangga said his team had prepared several banners to be displayed, one of which bore the tagline "Garuda Saudi." The tagline emphasized that, despite the distance from home, support for the Indonesian national team would always be there.

"Another challenge is preparing permits for the attributes. The process is lengthy, but we are already accustomed to it. Therefore, it is not too much of an issue; it is just a matter of informing other friends about this procedure," said Erlangga when contacted some time ago.

To be able to bring attributes, supporters must obtain permission from various parties, starting from SAFF, AFC (Asian Football Confederation), and the Ministry of Home Affairs of Saudi Arabia. These attributes must not contain political elements and must adhere to religious norms.

Typically, Garuda Saudi fills out a form and includes photos of the attributes and banners that will be brought. In the form, they must explain the meaning of the sentences or words that are listed on the banners.

"For example, we need to describe what 'Kawal Garuda' means. The process is lengthy and somewhat time-consuming, but it must be undertaken. If we do not obtain the necessary permits, then we cannot proceed," said Erlangga.

Support will also come from supporters in Indonesia. The La Grande Indonesia supporter group, for instance, has sent 12 representatives to provide direct support in Saudi Arabia.

"We also try to always support Away," said La Grande Indonesia President Unggul Indra.

In addition to direct support, the supporters are also assured of providing their backing from afar. The branches of La Grande Indonesia are organizing watch parties at several locations. The Indonesian Embassy in Riyadh is doing the same.

Despite being far from home, the Indonesian national team is assured of ample support. The supporters are ready to accompany the Garuda's journey to achieve their dream of appearing in the World Cup, both at the stadium and at various other locations.