Moving Story of a Kudus Youth Who Unfurled the Flag During the Indonesian National Anthem at the Caffino Srikandi Merdeka Cup
Kudus – The roar of support for the eight teams participating in the 2026 Caffino Srikandi Merdeka Cup echoed through the Supersoccer Arena in Kudus. Amid the excitement of the international women's football tournament, local youth from Kudus took on unique roles as flag bearers and centre circle flag assistants.
Among them are Mualif Bagas Taufiq (22) and Hebron Jauza Munandar (20). Alongside 25 other volunteers, they were tasked with carrying and unfolding the centre circle flag (CCF) on the pitch prior to kickoff.
Mualif works as a Computer and Network Engineering instructor at SMK Ma’arif Kudus, while Hebron is a fifth-semester Sports Coaching student at the State University of Semarang (UNNES).
The pair deployed the centre circle flag about 10 minutes before matches. Although new to this specific duty, their previous experience supporting football events in Kudus helped them seamlessly manage their responsibilities on the field.
“Initially, I had no experience when I first joined the MilkLife (MilkLife Soccer Challenge), but over time I learned to adapt,” Mualif said before his shift at the Supersoccer Arena on Saturday, August 22, 2026.
For Hebron, the atmosphere during matches involving the Indonesia U-16 women's national team, or Garuda Pertiwi, was particularly moving—especially when the entire stadium stood for the national anthem, Indonesia Raya.
“It gave me goosebumps during the Indonesian matches, especially during the national anthem. It made me feel a bit nervous,” Hebron admitted.
Standing on the pitch with dozens of other youths, the pair experienced the intensity of an international match firsthand. For them, the role provided a unique opportunity to contribute to a major women's football event in their hometown.
Other contributors include Riski Dwi Saputro and M. Alif Suryansyah, two students from the University of Muria Kudus (UMK) who served as official flag bearers for the competing teams.
Both are eighth-semester students in the Agrotechnology Department at UMK's Faculty of Agriculture. Despite the demands of their thesis work, Riski and Alif made time to participate in the 2026 Caffino Srikandi Merdeka Cup.
Riski’s involvement began when a colleague already serving on the tournament’s operations team offered him an opportunity. He accepted the role without hesitation.
“It was a first-time experience and a deeply profound moment, as not everyone gets the chance to carry the flag. Especially while facing the players and thousands of supporters,” Riski said.
One of his most memorable moments came during the opening match as the Indonesia U-16 Women’s national team faced Saudi Arabia. The Garuda Pertiwi secured a 7-0 victory in that match.
For Alif, the most emotional experience occurred while standing on the pitch carrying the Indonesian flag as the national anthem began to play.
“Honestly, I was very enthusiastic and deeply moved. There is a sense of pride in being able to wave the Indonesian flag at an international tournament, especially when the entire stadium sings 'Indonesia Raya' together,” Alif said.
The stories of Mualif, Hebron, Riski, Alif, and dozens of other youths demonstrate that the Caffino Srikandi Merdeka Cup 2026 provided more than just international soccer matches. The event, held from August 14-23, 2026, also opened doors for local youth in Kudus to get directly involved, learn from new experiences, and become part of a significant sporting moment hosted in their own city. (DV/RND/mainkekudus)