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Soccer has always been more than just a sport in Indonesia, it’s a national passion. But while men's soccer has long been in the spotlight, the women’s game is still fighting for its place.
With women’s sports gaining momentum globally and Indonesia climbing to number 97 in the FIFA Women’s World Ranking, it’s time for Garuda Pertiwi, the women’s national team, to step into the spotlight, too.
Sitting down with some of the national team athletes and their coach, I saw the magic of women’s soccer through their eyes.
After winning the maiden 2024 AFF Women’s Championship in December, defeating Malaysia, Singapore and Cambodia, and securing a 1-0 victory over Saudi Arabia on Feb. 20 in a friendly match, the future of Garuda Pertiwi looks promising.
“When I first came to Indonesia, I saw that Indonesia has a high enthusiasm for soccer. For men, it is extraordinary, the atmosphere and enthusiasm of the supporters to support their team,” says coach Satoru “Mochi” Mochizuki, who joined the team in March 2024.
“For women, although it is not as busy as the men now, I think that in the future, it will develop even more.”
Team captain Shafira Ika has high hopes: to get to the World Cup. The team’s recent wins may bring that a step closer, but how attainable is the dream?
Put me in, coach!
Founded in 1975 by the Soccer Association of Indonesia (PSSI), Garuda Pertiwi has come a long way since.
After 33 years on the sidelines, the national team finally secured a spot in the 2022 AFC Women’s Championship. Though the players struggled, losing three consecutive games without scoring a single goal, the setback only fueled their determination to claw their way to the top.
Two years later, they reached a major milestone with the historic 2024 AFF Women’s Cup title.
The current squad’s strength lies in a mix of homegrown talent and foreign athletes with Indonesian heritage.
Unlike the men’s league, which already has a structured pathway to the national team, the women’s team relies on scouting grassroots tournaments, such as the Pertiwi Cup. Held annually, it is a crucial platform for unearthing raw talent from across the archipelago, giving women from other provinces a shot at the national stage.
“The Pertiwi Cup is monitored by the national team. I was able to join the national team because of the tournament,” explains Yolanda Krismonica, a former player and loyal fan.
Shafira was also recruited after playing in the 2022 Pertiwi Cup, before that, she played for Persis Solo.
So far, athletes from Papua are sweeping the floor, nabbing four titles, making it the most successful club in the tournament’s history.
More ‘ammunition’
Aside from talent from across the archipelago, foreign players of Indonesian descent are also adding depth to the team.
Kayla Ristianto, born and raised in the United States, decided to represent Indonesia because of her roots. Although she doesn’t hold Indonesian citizenship, she says it is a lifelong dream of hers to represent and honor her heritage.
“The talent that I've seen, just playing with them this past summer, compared with five years ago when I would train with some of the girls in Jakarta, is so much better,” says Kayla, who debuted with the national team in Hong Kong in 2024.
“I feel like we can only improve and go up from here.”
Following the footsteps of Dutch-born Bente Frieser and Iris de Rouw, Kayla, who also plays for Cornell University, strengthens the team’s international presence.
“There are several Indonesian players in our women's soccer team who have started to go international. It will benefit Garuda Pertiwi when the players are recognized [abroad]. They can carry with them Indonesia's name,” Yolanda adds.
According to PSSI chair Erick Thohir, naturalizing foreign players can add “ammunition” to the national team. Last November, two Dutch-born female players of Indonesian descent, Estella Loupattij and Noa Leatomu, became Indonesian citizens.
The third instrumental element in the team’s recent success is coach Mochi.
“I have the responsibility to answer the efforts and hopes of PSSI. I am happy and grateful because I was able to provide results as the team won the [AFF Women’s Championship] this year,” says the former Japanese soccer player. He was an assistant manager for the Japan women's national soccer team when it won the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup.
Under Mochi’s disciplined and strategic approach over the past year, the team has already flourished with several feats.
Bleacher report
If the talent is undeniable, why is there not more fanfare for women’s soccer in Indonesia?
Worldwide, the number of women playing organized soccer has risen dramatically. FIFA reports a 25 percent increase between 2019 and 2023, bringing the total to a record 16.6 million women players.
Yet the gap in popularity between men’s and women’s soccer remains wide in Indonesia.
“There’s still a lack of support for women's soccer in Indonesia. It’s nowhere near as massive as men's, both in the national team and in other competitions. Media coverage and promotion are also lacking, so people don’t really know much about women's soccer,” Yolanda elaborates.
A major roadblock is the absence of a dedicated women’s league, which was halted during the pandemic. Without it, there are no official club associations to organize matches between teams of similar standards.
“In our country, competitions are lacking. But when there is a tournament, everyone will definitely watch. It’ll be interesting for people who want to watch women's soccer,” she says.
Without access to regular matches, female players struggle for visibility and development. To elevate women’s soccer, both the government and the public have to provide 360-degree support.
"I feel like we can only improve and go up from here." - Kayla Ristianto
The future is female
Despite the challenges, Shafira believes there is light at the end of the tunnel. The government has announced plans to relaunch the women’s league, Liga 1 Putri, in 2027.
Meanwhile, Mochi and the women are focused on winning more friendly matches to secure another spot in the next AFC Women’s Championship.
And when the World Cup finally comes calling, they’ll be ready.
Off the field, the team is advocating for the development of women’s soccer, inspiring young girls to the endless possibilities of what “turn your hobby into a job” truly means.
“I want to share more with women out there, who are maybe less confident, to continue their careers and dare to have big dreams. Chase what you want, but don't do it half-heartedly, because it takes real sacrifice,” Shafira concludes.
“Maybe this is my path. It's not easy to achieve, but you have to believe in yourself.”
