Kudus: First Impressions from the Jordan, Singapore, and Hong Kong, China Teams

KUDUS – The arrival of players and officials from seven nations in Kudus has provided a fresh experience for those visiting this Central Java city for the first time. Since their arrival, visitors have been struck by simple impressions, ranging from the warmth of the local residents and the atmosphere of the surroundings to interactions with people from diverse backgrounds.

The Caffino Srikandi Merdeka Cup 2026 is being held from August 14–23, 2026, at the Supersoccer Arena in Rendeng, Kudus. The U-16 tournament features eight teams from seven Asian countries, with Indonesia represented by Garuda Pertiwi and Putri Nusantara.

For international participants, the time spent in Kudus is an opportunity to explore a destination they have never visited before. They arrived with their own unique customs and stories, only to discover new impressions upon reaching the city. 

Kudus Through the Eyes of Jordanian Athlete Nadine

For Nadine Abu Salha, the trip to Kudus marks her first visit to Indonesia. The Jordanian U-16 national team midfielder had been in the city for only three days when she shared her initial impressions. 

The first thing to capture her attention was the warm welcome from the community. Despite being far from Jordan and in a different environment, Nadine said it did not take long for her to adapt.

“This is my first time in Kudus. The environment is very welcoming and warm. The people here are so friendly, and it feels like home,” said Nadine.

Beyond the hospitality, the local landscape also left a lasting impression on the 16-year-old. The lush greenery is among the features she remembers most vividly since her arrival.

“I remember seeing the scenery; it is truly beautiful. Everything outside is so green, and I really like it,” she remarked.

The change in environment also required Nadine to adjust to the more humid climate of Kudus compared to Jordan. However, this adjustment has become part of the new experience she is embracing during her stay in Indonesia.

The time in Kudus has provided Nadine with another opportunity: learning about different cultures and meeting people from various nations.

“Football brings us all together, and we are also here to learn about other cultures. The hospitality here is extraordinary; we feel like we are treated as part of the local community,” Nadine added.

For Nadine, these first impressions have given Kudus a special place in her first journey to Indonesia. She hopes the experiences gained in the city will become pleasant stories to share upon her return to Jordan.

“I hope we can take home a very happy story, one where we return home as champions.” 

Singapore Appreciates Kudus's Readiness

Impressions of Kudus were also shared by Jeremy Chiang Wei Jian, Head Coach of the Singapore U-16 Women's National Team. As a team official, Jeremy viewed his experience in Indonesia from a unique perspective.

Since his delegation arrived, he has closely monitored how the various needs of the contingent were handled. The journey from the airport to media support services has been a key part of his first experience 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 was prepared, from the shuttle buses to media readiness; everything is very impressive,” said Jeremy.

This level of attentiveness ensured that the experience in Kudus was not just for the players. Officials accompanying the team also engaged with the new environment while managing the squad's requirements.

Jeremy even lightened the mood by joking about language barriers. Interacting with the local Indonesian community provided him with a unique experience, particularly as he navigated communication within a different cultural setting.

These lighthearted remarks about language underscored another side of the contingent's visit. Amidst a tightly scheduled agenda, meetings with the public and event organizers still allowed space for more relaxed interactions.

For Jeremy, the experience in Kudus also served as an opportunity to take his team outside their familiar environment. The players were able to meet peers from other countries in one location and participate in activities together throughout the tournament.

Hong Kong, China Team Encounters New Atmosphere in Kudus

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 completed a training camp in Japan.

The experience in Japan was a vital part of their preparations. There, the players not only focused on conditioning but also built stronger bonds as a team.

"I think we had solid preparation from our last training camp in Japan. My teammates support one another, both on and off the field," Hazel said.

After leaving Japan and arriving in Indonesia, a new chapter began. Kudus became the next environment they had to acclimate to—a place where young players from various nations converge.

Hazel and her team brought experiences from Japan and then found a different atmosphere in Kudus. She met players from other countries and spent time with her team in a completely new environment.

As captain, Hazel views this experience through the lens of leadership. She looks beyond herself, ensuring her teammates navigate the journey well.

Meeting players from other countries also provides valuable experience for the young athletes from Hong Kong, China. These cross-border interactions serve as additional preparation for their upcoming football engagements.

Supersoccer Arena Serves as a Meeting Point

Supersoccer Arena is the hub where participants are engaging in a series of activities for the 2026 Caffino Srikandi Merdeka Cup in Kudus.

For international participants, the arena serves as 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 squads, have been brought together in the same environment throughout the event.

This shared venue has provided young players from diverse backgrounds the opportunity to connect. Despite differences in language, customs, and culture, they now share a common space for interaction.

Beyond the official competition, participants are adapting to their new surroundings. From travel logistics and conversations with organizers to meeting new people, each experience offers unique insights.

Nadine praised the hospitality of the locals and Kudus' lush green surroundings. Jeremy noted the professional welcome provided to contingents upon arrival, while Hazel and her team are embracing the distinct atmosphere in Indonesia.

Their impressions of the city are being shaped by these personal, lived experiences.

Discovering Kudus Through Simple Moments

Impressions of a city are not always formed at traditional tourist sites. For participants of the 2026 Caffino Srikandi Merdeka Cup, meaningful experiences are often found in the routine interactions of their daily schedule.

Daily exchanges with local residents, commutes, the local atmosphere, and coordination with staff—all while mingling with players from across the globe—have become part of their Kudus journey.

These simple, everyday moments provide each participant with a unique perspective. Though they arrive with different national backgrounds, they are united in their role as guests in a city they are just beginning to understand.

For Nadine, the local hospitality makes Kudus feel welcoming. For Jeremy, the efficiency of the event logistics left a positive first impression upon arrival. Meanwhile, Hazel is experiencing Kudus as part of her team's broader journey following a training camp in Japan.

These experiences run parallel to the tournament’s primary agenda. While competitive play remains the goal, the time surrounding the matches offers participants a chance to explore a previously unfamiliar destination.

As participants finally departed Kudus following the conclusion of the tournament, they took home more than just match results. They carried experiences of a city many visited for the first time, the people they encountered, and fellow players from other nations who became part of their journey.

For young athletes like Nadine, this first visit to Indonesia will serve as a lasting memory upon her return to Jordan. Similarly, players from Singapore and Hong Kong, China, marked their time in Kudus as a significant chapter in their football development.

Such impressions need not stem from grand gestures. Local hospitality, a new environment, brief conversations, the venue atmosphere, and the forging of new friendships often prove to be the most memorable elements.

To these guests, Kudus became defined by what they personally saw and felt. Before the matches determined winners and early exits, the city provided them with a unique and formative experience.

As they return to their respective home countries, their stories of Kudus become an integral part of the journeys they carry forward. (HNR/mainkekudus)