It is not difficult to ignite sentiment against Malaysia among Indonesians as the two countries are often involved in some kind of conflict, from questions of borderlines to the abuses of Indonesian migrant workers. This time soccer is the reason for uniting against the neighboring country.
Government officials and politicians are busy drumming up support for the Indonesian national soccer team among the more than 2 million Indonesian workers, legal and illegal, planning to travel to Kuala Lumpur for the first leg of the final round against the Malaysian team on Dec. 26.
As it often happened in previous matches between the two countries in the Malaysian capital city, the number of Indonesian supporters in attendance is expected to rival the number of Malaysians.
President Susilo Bambang Yudho-yono called on the nation to fully support the national soccer team’s battle against Malaysia during its two 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup final legs, which are scheduled to be held in Kuala Lumpur and then in Jakarta.
“Let us all support the national team,” Yudhoyono implored on Monday.
The first leg of the final round will be held at Bukit Jalil Stadium in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Dec. 26. The second leg will take place at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta on Dec. 29.
Youth and Sports Minister Andi Mallarangeng expressed his confidence that Indonesian supporters would dominate the Bukit Jalil Stadium. He also pointed out the necessity to secure the safety of the members of Indonesia’s national team while in Malaysia.
“I’d like everything to be prepared well, including the security and transportation facilities,” Andi told reporters at the State Palace.
The minister hoped that the red-and-whites would pile on the goals, as happened during their first bout in Group A in early December in Jakarta. That time, Indonesia managed to conquer Malaysia 5-1.
“However, never underestimate the Malaysians. They have developed their skills and are playing well,” the former presidential spokesman added.
The highly celebrated national team, under Coach Alfred Riedl of Austria, is scheduled to leave for Malaysia on Friday.
Aburizal Bakrie, business tycoon and chairman of the Golkar Party, has been a strong supporter of the Indonesian Soccer Association (PSSI) over the past few years, and reportedly will provide a private jet to transport the team.
“We have 3 million workers in Malaysia. I really hope they come and turn the stadium red,” Aburizal said during a gathering with the national team at his private residence in Menteng, Central Jakarta, as quoted by Antara news agency.
Aburizal handed over Rp 2.5 billion (US$276,762) in bonuses to the national team for making it through to finals round. Another Rp 3 billion bonus will be delivered to the team if it manages to win the first-ever cup title for the country.
This time soccer is the reason for uniting against the neighboring country.
