TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Minister of Youth and Sports, Dito Ariotedjo, disclosed the plan to hold a friendly match between Indonesia and Uruguay's national teams.
"We could discuss with PSSI on the best format for the match," he said on Monday, May 19, 2025, in a meeting with Uruguay Ambassador Cristina González, adding that he hoped for the Uruguayan Embassy to also speak with the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI).
"Whether it's through FIFA Matchday or a regular friendly match," the Golkar Party politician added. "FIFA Matchday can contribute to the improvement of Indonesia's FIFA ranking."
The friendly match is also intended to commemorate 60 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2026.
Dito welcomed the offer to organize Indonesian sports activities in Uruguay, which he considered an opportunity to promote pencak silat as an original Indonesian sport. "Moreover, Indonesia is trying to include pencak silat in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles," he said.
Meanwhile, Uruguay Ambassador Cristina mentioned that one of the focuses within her meeting with Minister Dito was exploring sports cooperation between Uruguay and Indonesia, including football. "Uruguay hopes to hold a friendly match in Indonesia by bringing in core players from both countries if possible," she said.
Uruguay and Indonesia, she said, have a history of sports relations through the 2007-2011 young Indonesian footballer training program in Uruguay. The program has produced footballers, some of whom strengthened the Indonesian national team. She extended the opportunity to hold similar training in the future.
Ambassador Cristina maintained that the Southeast Asian region, especially Indonesia, is now the Uruguayan government's priority nation to establish ties. Thus, she said, the 60th commemoration of diplomatic relations between the two countries is crucial to strengthen such cooperation.
She also said Uruguay welcomes Indonesian sports activities in the country, whether it's badminton or other sports branches.
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