The Indonesian national futsal team has written a golden era in the history of the nation's futsal development by securing the runner-up position at the 2026 Asian Cup.
The Garuda Team even came close to winning the title. They forced defending champion Iran to a 5-5 draw, which led to a penalty shootout that ended 4-5 in Iran's favor in the final at the Indonesia Arena in Jakarta last weekend.
This achievement is a matter of great pride for Indonesia, which has become the runner-up for the first time in their participation in the biggest futsal tournament between countries in Asia.
Asian futsal is still dominated by Iran, which has now secured its 14th Asian Cup title. Only four-time champion Japan has been able to disrupt Iran's dominance in the tournament, which was first held in 1999.
Despite the defeat, the Garuda team has reason to be proud. This achievement will fuel Hector Souto's team's efforts to disrupt Iran and Japan's dominance in Asia.
The Indonesian national team's success wasn't built in a day or two, nor was it built through instant ambition gleaned from the naturalization process or the search for players of diaspora descent.
However, the Garuda team was built through seriousness and a clear ecosystem so that it could produce international-class talents such as Mochammad Iqbal Iskandar and his friends.
This brilliant achievement will undoubtedly raise questions for the public: will this proud achievement fuel the creation of a healthier futsal ecosystem in Indonesia? Or will this be a one-time achievement that will fail to be sustained?
