Revival of Women's Football in Indonesia Aims for Long-Term Success
Simone Baptiste | AFP
After a seven-year hiatus due to Covid-19, Indonesia's women's football league resumes, seeking stability and growth with significant investment and player engagement.
Seven years after the Indonesian Women's League (IWL) was put on hold due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it has finally made its return, much to the delight of enthusiasts like Zahra Naqiyyah who expressed her 'high hopes' for the game's future. The league resumes amid a vibrant and growing sports culture in Indonesia, a country of 290 million people where football holds a cherished place.
Taking the field with Garudayaksa Women, Zahra embodies the dreams of many who see women's football as poised for significant advancement. Her optimism is shared by fellow players and stakeholders who believe in the potential for Indonesia to become a strong contender in Asian women's football if the league system is well-managed.
The league's restart marks a fresh chapter for Indonesia, long an outlier in women's football among its Asian neighbors, which boast permanent leagues and international accolades.
Investment and Challenges to Growth
Financial backing has been pivotal in resurrecting the league. The Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI), led by Erick Thohir, has allocated 24 billion rupiah ($1.3 million) for the league's revival. This funding aims to cover salaries and operational costs in a bid to sustain the league's revival over a five-year trial period with six participating clubs.
However, sustainability and consistent progress remain focal challenges. Coach Yopie Riwoe highlighted the need for regular, intensive training sessions to elevate local players to international competitive standards. The inconsistency in league play has led some players, like Nastasia Suci Ramadhani, to seek opportunities abroad or diversify their careers by exploring alternative professions.
Despite the setbacks, there have been moments of glory. The national team won the ASEAN Football Federation Women's Cup twice, in 2024 and again this year, showcasing the latent potential and talent among Indonesian women footballers.
Player Aspirations and Development
The league also serves as a stage for young athletes like Azra Zifa Kayla of Persita Women. Balancing her dreams of football with a teaching career, Azra is emblematic of the dual pursuit faced by many female athletes in Indonesia who juggle sports with other professions due to financial uncertainties.
Azra's dedication to both education and sports reflects a broader reality that education is often seen as a necessary backup for women in sports. 'I am an athlete first,' she noted, underscoring her commitment while acknowledging the practical need to secure her future through academic qualifications.
The return of the IWL, comprising 200 players from Greater Jakarta, offers these athletes a renewed platform to showcase their skills. The league's success depends on building a sustainable framework to support the sport's growth and professional development opportunities for women.
Implications for Urban Sports Development
The Indonesian Women's League’s relaunch showcases a significant opportunity for urban sports policy, particularly in metropolitan areas like Jakarta, which could benefit from increased participation and investment in female sports. Initiatives like the IWL can galvanize local economies through sports tourism and events while fostering community engagement and youth development.
City policymakers need to consider the role of sports in urban planning, from infrastructure to community support systems. Investment in women's leagues not only boosts athletic opportunities but also addresses gender equity in sports, providing a blueprint for other cities aiming to enhance their own sports sectors.
Questions That Matter
What is the Indonesian Women's League initiative?
The Indonesian Women's League (IWL) is a football league aimed at reviving women's football in Indonesia. Relaunched with a $1.3 million investment by the Football Association of Indonesia, it started its new season this week with six clubs in a trial phase.
What challenges do Indonesian female footballers face?
Indonesian female footballers face challenges such as limited league opportunities and financial constraints. Many players took alternative paths like education or overseas play due to uncertainty in league continuity and lack of local resources.