Kudus Fans Show Strong Support for Garuda Pertiwi, Attending Matches and Seeking Large-Screen Viewings

KUDUS – Local enthusiasm for the Indonesia U-16 Women's National Team, Garuda Pertiwi, has been on full display throughout the Caffino Srikandi Merdeka Cup. Supporters have filled the stands at the Supersoccer Arena (SSA) in Kudus and gathered at public viewing venues to watch the matches together.

Among the fans are Kudus residents Wisnu Satria Pranata, 23, and Rizki Fastabiqul Khoirot, 22, who attended the tournament to cheer on Garuda Pertiwi during their semifinal match on Friday night (August 21, 2026).

Although the pair hoped to watch the match from inside the stadium, the high turnout meant they were unable to secure seats in the stands. However, the limitation did not dampen their resolve to support the young Indonesian players.

Wisnu and Rizki joined other fans at the Srikandi Fair area at Lapangan Rendeng, Kudus, where a large screen allowed them to follow the action and share in the atmosphere of the match with the community.

"I couldn't get into the stadium for the previous Garuda Pertiwi match, so I watched via the big screen outside. Since I'm off work today, I'm glad I can watch in person," Wisnu said at the Supersoccer Arena on Saturday (August 22, 2026).

Wisnu Satria Pranata (23) and Rizki Fastabiqul Khoirot (22) supporting the Indonesian national team on August 16, 2026, at Supersoccer Arena Kudus. (Photo source: Srikandimerdekacup.com)

For the duo, the opportunity to watch a women's national team match in their hometown is a significant experience. The Caffino Srikandi Merdeka Cup, featuring U-16 teams from several countries, has provided local residents with a new way to engage with international football.

"As residents of Kudus, we fully support this event, especially since it's the first time an international tournament like this has been held here. I hope to see more women's football events at SSA Kudus in the future," Wisnu added.

This level of interest underscores how support for women's football can thrive in community settings, whether fans are packed into stadium stands or gathering at local viewing sites.

Rizki emphasized that community support should go hand-in-hand with a focus on early development for young players.

"Regardless of the result, sportsmanship is paramount. I hope youth development programs continue to improve. The foundation is already strong; with proper management of talent from a young age, our women's national team can certainly improve even further," Rizki concluded.

The support from Kudus residents will continue through the Caffino Srikandi Merdeka Cup final. In addition to the Supersoccer Arena, fans can watch the U-16 Indonesia Garuda Pertiwi team face Thailand at an additional public viewing site at the Pendopo Kabupaten Kudus.

Illustration of a public screening at the Kudus Regency Hall. (Photo: mainkekudus file)

The Kudus Regency Government has established these public screening venues to provide space for the community to rally in support of Garuda Pertiwi. Attendees are also provided with free snacks from local mobile food stalls during the events.

Illustration of a public screening at the Srikandi Fair, Rendeng Field, Kudus. (Source: srikandimerdeka)

The Caffino Srikandi Merdeka Cup final between Indonesia and Thailand is scheduled for Sunday, August 23, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. WIB at the Supersoccer Arena in Kudus. The establishment of multiple public screening locations provides fans with the opportunity to immerse themselves in the match atmosphere and cheer on the next generation of Indonesian women's football talent. (DV/mainkekudus)