Football Australia proudly joined the Hon. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Jakarta as part of his first official bilateral meeting, since his re-election, with the President of Indonesia, H.E. Prabowo Subianto.
The visit marked a milestone in Australia's deepening regional engagement and highlighted the growing cooperation between Football Australia and the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI).
Football is Australia's bridge to the world to open trade and diplomatic connections and has long connected our two nations, with the first match between Australia and Indonesia taking place in 1928. Nearly a century later, football remains a unifying force - building enduring relationships between our people, businesses, and governments.
As part of the visit, Football Australia's Interim CEO, Ms Heather Garriock - a former Matilda - participated in a symbolic jersey exchange between the leaders at Istana Merdeka, the Indonesian Presidential Palace. President Prabowo received an Australian national team jersey bearing Prabowo 08, representing his position as the 8th President of Indonesia, while Prime Minister Albanese was presented with an Indonesian national team jersey inscribed with Albo 31, representing his position as Australia's 31st Prime Minister.
"This exchange was more than symbolic - it reflected the strength of our friendship and the powerful global role football plays in bringing countries together," said Ms Garriock. "Football connects people. It opens doors, builds trust, and creates shared opportunities across borders."
The leaders' joint statement, as published in the Prime Minister's official media release, "welcomed enhanced cooperation between Football Australia and the Football Federation of Indonesia (PSSI), which could include major event opportunities and women's football mentorship, among other shared priorities."
Ms Garriock added, "We see immense potential in working more closely with our Indonesian counterparts - from grassroots development to elite competitions, from mentoring the next generation of women leaders in sport to exploring co-hosting opportunities for major events. Football is a platform for progress."
This deepening partnership was further celebrated earlier this year when the Subway Socceroos hosted Indonesia for a FIFA World Cup Qualifier in Sydney on 20 March 2025. Around the match, Football Australia collaborated with the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN), Business Sydney, Fitzpatrick & Co, and KPMG (as host) to convene a high-level forum focused on the intersection of sport, trade, and diplomacy.
The forum welcomed: The Hon. Don Farrell, Federal Minister for Trade and Tourism, The Hon. Anoulack Chanthivong MP, NSW Minister for Investment, H.E. Dito Ariotedjo, Minister for Sports and Youth, Republic of Indonesia, H.E. Todotua Pasaribu, Vice Minister of Investment and Downstreaming, Republic of Indonesia.
"Our shared love of football is helping to unlock a broader conversation about regional cooperation," Garriock said. "It's about building relationships that last - on the pitch and beyond."
Football Australia remains committed to supporting Australia's engagement in Southeast Asia through sport, and to working closely with PSSI to deliver meaningful, long-term impact through football.
