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View all search resultsBreaking barriers for women in soccer
Women soccer players in Indonesia continue to battle stigma, harassment and unequal support as they fight for recognition in a male-dominated sport.
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Voices for change: (From second left) Komnas Perempuan commissioner Sri Agustini, Indonesian women’s futsal legend Novita Murni Piranti, Inspire Indonesia women’s program director Sicilia Setiawan and Freddy Brunt, deputy development director and development management unit head at British Embassy Jakarta, share their perspectives on March 6, 2026 during the community discussion Breaking Barriers, Building Futures at the British Embassy in South Jakarta. (Magdalene/Y. Rose Hendrika )
N
ovita Murni vividly remembers the obstacles she faced after deciding to become a professional athlete more than a decade ago. Her family and friends rejected the idea, believing that being an athlete was not a sustainable career for women. No one in her family had ever pursued sports professionally.
Determined to prove them wrong, she persevered. While studying at the Indonesian University of Education (UPI), she tried several sports, from rowing to badminton, before eventually joining her campus futsal team. After a year of training and competing, she was invited to join a scouting program for the national women’s futsal team.
“There was a tournament in Jakarta where the national team’s head coach scouted young players to join the squad for the 2011 SEA Games. I played in that tournament,” Novita told Magdalene after a panel discussion at the British Embassy in South Jakarta on Friday.
She has now played for the national team for 16 years. Her achievements have changed her parents’ perspective, and they are now proud that she represents the country.
Personal struggles, however, are only part of the challenge for women athletes like Novita. Lower financial rewards, limited visibility and a lack of access to training facilities and competitive opportunities remain persistent problems for women athletes around the world.
Ironically, some of the women athletes’ biggest “enemies” are sports fans themselves, who often fixate on their physical appearance and leave sexist or degrading comments online or during competitions. Constant exposure to this type of abuse can be demoralizing.
As team captain, Novita says she reminds her teammates to stay away from social media before matches to avoid being emotionally affected by such comments.
