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Indonesia breaks Southeast Asian futsal attendance record

Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia’s national futsal team set a Southeast Asian record for live attendance, defeating Australia 3-1 in front of 15,337 fans at Indonesia Arena on Saturday, a friendly match that also counted as a FIFA Match Day fixture.The “Garuda” squad capitalized on the overwhelming support, taking an early lead and holding off the Socceroos to secure the victory. The crowd size marked the largest ever for a futsal match in the region.“We are grateful for the support from all stakeholders,” Games of Society CEO Novel Leonardo told journalists in Jakarta on Sunday.“First, the fans who wanted to make history together, then the sponsors, government, and media. I did not expect everything to go this well,” he added.Leonardo described the achievement as a milestone for Indonesian futsal, signaling a shift toward a more professional, high-quality, and entertaining sport.“Our goal is to raise the level of futsal in Indonesia. It’s not just about 15,000 spectators, but how we ensure the best experience for everyone watching,” he said.The operator also emphasized efforts to expand access via live streaming, aiming to reach audiences at home. “But honestly, I’m proud of the 15,000 attendees,” Leonardo said.In addition to the international friendly, Indonesia Arena hosted the Futsal Series final, pitting SMA 1 Ciruas Tasikmalaya against SMKN 2 Surabaya.SMA 1 Ciruas Tasikmalaya won 2-1, claiming their first Futsal Series title in 2025.The event highlighted growing local interest in futsal, combining professional exhibition matches with youth competitions.