Indonesian women’s football league to restart after seven years
PSSI has allocated Rp24 billion for the competition’s return and player salaries, with six clubs participating in an initial five-year trial.
About 200 footballers from Greater Jakarta clubs are preparing for the Indonesia Women’s League to resume after a seven-year interruption. The forthcoming matches will mark its return to competition following its only completed season in 2019.
The Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) has set aside Rp24 billion to relaunch the competition and fund player salaries. PSSI chairman Erick Thohir said six clubs would participate initially, with the league operating on a trial basis for five years. The pandemic, followed by financial difficulties, halted the competition.
Garudayaksa Women’s Zahra Naqiyyah, 22, helped her team win the inaugural competition at 15. She told AFP she believed sound management could help Indonesia become a leading force in Asian women’s football. During the suspension, many of her friends abandoned the sport because opportunities to play or coach were lacking, she said.
Her teammate Nastasia Suci Ramadhani, 20, returned to Indonesia in January after playing in the Maldives last year. She remains uncertain about the league’s future. Nastasia is also pursuing a university degree in management and has considered careers in the police or military.
Persita Women’s Azra Zifa Kayla, 22, hopes to earn a place in the national team. She will train in the afternoons while continuing to teach physical education to primary school pupils in the mornings, unwilling to risk losing a steady salary.
League boss Teddy Tjahjono told AFP that the eventual aim was a sustainable industry that could financially support clubs, players and the wider women’s football network.
