KUDUS – The arrival of players and officials from seven nations in Kudus has offered a unique experience for those visiting this Central Java city for the first time. Since their arrival, impressions of Kudus have been shaped by simple moments—ranging from the warmth of the local residents and the surrounding environment to interactions with people from diverse backgrounds.
The 2026 Caffino Srikandi Merdeka Cup is taking place from August 14–23, 2026, at the Supersoccer Arena in Rendeng, Kudus. This U-16 tournament features eight teams from seven Asian countries, with Indonesia represented by Garuda Pertiwi and Putri Nusantara.
For the international participants, the time spent in Kudus provides a chance to explore a location previously unknown to them. They brought their own customs and narratives, only to discover new perspectives upon arriving in the city.
For Nadine Abu Salha, the trip to Kudus marks her first visit to Indonesia. The Jordanian U-16 women's national team midfielder shared her impressions after spending three days in the city.
The first thing to capture her attention was the community's hospitality. Despite being far from Jordan and in a vastly different setting, Nadine noted that she quickly felt at ease.
“This is my first time in Kudus. The environment is very welcoming and warm. The people here are so friendly, and it truly feels like home,” Nadine said.
Beyond the hospitality, the city’s landscape has also left a lasting impression on the 16-year-old. The lush, green scenery remains one of her most vivid memories since arriving.
“I remember seeing the nature; it is truly beautiful. It is very green out there, and I love it,” she remarked.
The environmental shift also required Nadine to adjust to the higher humidity of Kudus compared to Jordan. However, she views this adjustment as part of the overall experience of her time in Indonesia.
Her stay in Kudus has further provided Nadine with the opportunity to engage with new cultures and meet peers from different nations.
“Football brings us all together, and we are here to learn about other cultures as well. The warmth of the people here is incredible; we feel like we are treated as locals,” Nadine added.
For Nadine, these first impressions ensure that Kudus holds a special place in her first Indonesian journey. She hopes the experiences gained in the city will become fond stories to share upon her return to Jordan.
“Hopefully, we can bring home a very happy story, returning home as champions.”
Impressions of Kudus also came from Jeremy Chiang Wei Jian, head coach of the Singapore U-16 women's national team. As a team official, Jeremy viewed the experience of being in Indonesia from a different perspective.
Since his entourage's arrival, he noted how the contingent's various needs were addressed. The journey from the airport and the logistical support for media requirements were part of his first experience working with the organizers.
"First and foremost, I would like to thank PSSI and the committee. Since we landed at the airport, we could see how professional everything prepared was, from the pickup buses to the media readiness; it was all very impressive," said Jeremy.
Such attentiveness ensured that the experience in Kudus extended beyond just the players. The team officials also engaged with the new environment while preparing for the squad's needs.
Jeremy even lightened the mood by joking about language. Interacting with Indonesians proved a unique experience for him, particularly as he navigated communication within a different cultural setting.
The lighthearted banter about language highlighted another facet of the contingent's arrival. Amidst a strictly scheduled agenda, meetings with the local community and the organizing committee still provided space for relaxed interaction.
For Jeremy, the experience in Kudus offered a chance to take his team out of their familiar environment. Players have the opportunity to meet peers from other countries in one location and participate in joint activities throughout the tournament.
A different story comes from Wong Hiu Yau Hazel, captain of the Hong Kong, China U-16 women's national team. Before arriving in Kudus, Hazel and her teammates held a training camp in Japan.
The experience in Japan was a vital part of their preparation. There, the players not only honed their skills but also built stronger bonds as a team.
“I think we had thorough preparation from our last training camp in Japan. Teammates support each other, both on and off the field,” Hazel said.
After leaving Japan and arriving in Indonesia, a new experience began. Kudus became the next environment for them to navigate, as well as a gathering place for young players from various nations.
Hazel and her team brought stories from Japan, only to encounter a different atmosphere in Kudus. She met players from other countries and spent time with her team in an unfamiliar setting.
As captain, Hazel also viewed the experience through the lens of leadership. She focused not only on her own performance but also ensured her teammates managed their journey well.
The encounter with players from other countries also served as a valuable experience for the young Hong Kong, China athletes. These international interactions offer additional preparation ahead of their future football commitments.
Supersoccer Arena is the hub for participants throughout the Caffino Srikandi Merdeka Cup 2026 activities in Kudus.
For international participants, the arena is one of their first points of contact with the city. Eight teams from Jordan, Singapore, Hong Kong, China, Thailand, Malaysia, and Saudi Arabia, alongside two Indonesian teams, have shared a common environment throughout the event.
Gathering at a single venue has provided young players from diverse nations the opportunity to connect. Despite differences in language, customs, and backgrounds, they have found a shared space for interaction.
Beyond the official schedule, participants have been adapting to their surroundings. From local travel and conversations with event staff to meeting new people, each experience has offered a unique perspective.
Nadine highlighted the warmth of the local residents and the greenery of Kudus. Jeremy noted the professional welcome provided by organizers upon their arrival, while Hazel and her team have embraced the distinct atmosphere of Indonesia.
Their impressions are shaped by these personal, lived experiences.
Impressions of a city are not always formed at major tourist sites. For participants of the Caffino Srikandi Merdeka Cup 2026, some of the most meaningful experiences stem from routine interactions as members of the tournament contingent.
Daily greetings from locals, transit between venues, the city's atmosphere, coordination with staff, and cross-cultural exchanges between players have all become integral to their time in Kudus.
These simple, everyday moments provide each participant with a unique outlook. While they arrive with different backgrounds and cultural norms, they share a common status as guests in a new environment.
For Nadine, the local hospitality makes Kudus feel welcoming. For Jeremy, the organization's efficiency was evident from the moment they arrived. Meanwhile, Hazel views her time in Kudus as the next leg of her team's journey following a training camp in Japan.
These experiences run parallel to the tournament’s primary objective. While competitive play is the goal, the days surrounding the matches have given participants the space to explore a city they previously had never encountered.
As participants departed Kudus following the conclusion of the tournament, they took home more than just match results. They departed with memories of a city they had never visited before, the people they encountered, and the international players who shared their journey.
For young athletes like Nadine, this inaugural experience in Indonesia will be a story to share upon returning to Jordan. The same holds true for players from Singapore and Hong Kong, China, who spent their days in Kudus as part of their broader soccer experience.
These impressions are not necessarily defined by grand gestures. The local hospitality, the unique environment, brief conversations, the atmosphere of the venue, and connections with new friends are often what become the most memorable aspects of the trip.
In the eyes of its visitors, Kudus is defined by the things they personally witnessed and experienced. Before the matches determined winners and losers, the city provided them with a unique and lasting impression.
As they return to their home countries, the stories of Kudus travel with them as part of their collective journey. (HNR/mainkekudus)
