KUDUS – The enthusiasm of the Kudus community in supporting the Indonesia U-16 Women's National Team, Garuda Pertiwi, has been evident throughout the Caffino Srikandi Merdeka Cup. Local support has extended beyond the stands of the Supersoccer Arena (SSA) in Kudus, reaching public viewing areas set up for fans to watch the matches together.
This was demonstrated by two local youths, Wisnu Satria Pranata (23) and Rizki Fastabiqul Khoirot (22), who attended to cheer on Garuda Pertiwi during the Caffino Srikandi Merdeka Cup semifinal on Friday evening (8/21/2026).
Although the pair intended to watch from inside the stadium, the high turnout left no room in the stands. This did not dampen their spirit to support the young Indonesian players.
Wisnu and Rizki joined other residents at the Srikandi Fair area at Rendeng Field, Kudus. Through a large screen provided at the site, they were able to follow the match and share the atmosphere with fellow supporters.
"When Garuda Pertiwi played yesterday, I couldn't get into the stadium, so I watched via the large screen in front of it. Since I had the day off work, I was able to watch in person today," Wisnu said at the Supersoccer Arena in Kudus on Saturday (8/22/2026).
For Wisnu and Rizki, the opportunity to watch the Women's National Team in their own city was a memorable experience. The Caffino Srikandi Merdeka Cup, which features U-16 girls' teams from several countries, offers the Kudus community a new perspective on international football.
"As residents of Kudus, we fully support this event, especially since this is the first international competition held here. Hopefully, there will be more women's football events at the SSA Kudus in the future," Wisnu said.
This enthusiasm highlights how support for women's football can thrive within the community. While many filled the stadium stands, others remained connected to the action through the public viewing points.
Rizki emphasized that community support should go hand-in-hand with a focus on developing players from a young age.
"Whatever the outcome, the most important thing is to uphold sportsmanship. Hopefully, youth development will continue to be improved. If the talent is well-managed from an early age, our Women's National Team will surely become much better in the future," Rizki concluded.
Community support in Kudus is expected to continue for the final match of the Caffino Srikandi Merdeka Cup. In addition to the Supersoccer Arena, fans can watch the Indonesia U-16 Women's National Team, Garuda Pertiwi, face the Thailand U-16 Women's National Team at an additional public viewing site at the Kudus Regent's Office (Pendopo).
The Kudus Regency Government has established these public screening venues to provide space for residents to rally behind the Garuda Pertiwi national team. Attendees are also provided with complimentary snacks from local food stalls throughout the event.
The Caffino Srikandi Merdeka Cup final match between Indonesia and Thailand is scheduled for Sunday (Aug. 23, 2026) at 8:00 p.m. WIB at the Supersoccer Arena in Kudus. The expansion of these public screening locations aims to foster community engagement and provide broader support for the rising generation of Indonesian women's football. (DV/mainkekudus)
