## The Electric Atmosphere of Gelora Bung karno: A Goalkeeper’s Viewpoint
Maarten Paes, the goalkeeper for the Indonesian National Team, recently shared his awe-inspiring experience playing at the gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK) during MLS Media Day. Paes passionately described the stadium as an unparalleled spectacle, urging everyone to witness its electrifying atmosphere firsthand.
“There’s simply nothing that compares to the energy inside SUGBK,” Paes exclaimed. “It’s truly extraordinary.” [[1]]
He highlighted the fervent support of the indonesian fans, who pack the 85,000-seat stadium for every home game. The deafening cheers and the presence of passionate ultras on both sides create an unforgettable experience for players and spectators alike.
Paes believes the Indonesian national team’s dedicated fanbase deserves to see their team compete on the world stage. He expressed his strong desire to lead the team to the 2026 World Cup, stating that qualifying would be a fitting reward for their unwavering loyalty.
Currently, Indonesia sits in third place in Group C of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, trailing Australia by a single point. [[2]] to secure a direct qualification spot, they must climb into the top two positions. Should they finish third or fourth, they will face a challenging fourth round of qualifiers.
The Indonesian national team’s journey to the World cup is a testament to the power of passionate support and unwavering determination. With the backing of their fervent fans and the leadership of players like Maarten Paes, they are poised to make history on the international stage.
Gelora Bung Karno: A Fortress Forged by Passion – An Interview with Yohanis Tuhuteru
Today, we’re joined by Indonesian football legend and former national team captain, Yohanis Tuhuteru. Yohanis, welcome to the show!
Yohanis: thank you for having me. It’s always a pleasure to discuss indonesian football.
moderator: Maarten Paes recently spoke about the unbelievable atmosphere at the gelora Bung Karno Stadium, calling it truly spectacular. Having played there yourself countless times, do you agree with his assessment?
Yohanis: Absolutely.Gelora Bung Karno is a special place, a true fortress for Indonesian football. There’s an energy there that’s unachievable to replicate. When you step onto that pitch, you feel the weight of history, the passion of 85,000 fans, and the unwavering belief in the Garuda. It’s truly inspiring.
Moderator: Paes highlights the deafening cheers and the presence of passionate ultras on both sides. Do you think home advantage plays a notable role in international qualifiers?
Yohanis: Without a doubt. The support of our fans can be our 12th man. The noise, the chants, the unwavering belief – it pushes us to perform at our best. We feed off that energy, and it can often be the difference between a win and a draw.
Moderator: Indonesia is currently third in Group C trailing Australia by a single point. do you think they have what it takes to secure a direct qualification spot for the 2026 World Cup?
Yohanis: It’s going to be a tough battle, no question.Australia is a strong team, but we’ve shown we can compete with the best. The team is playing with confidence, the young players are coming through, and we have a world-class goalkeeper in Paes. If we can maintain this momentum and belief, we have a real shot at qualifying directly.
Moderator: paes mentions the fervent desire of Indonesian fans to see their national team on the world stage. How crucial is World Cup qualification for the development of Indonesian football?
Yohanis: World Cup qualification would be massive for Indonesian football. It would put us on the map, inspire a new generation of players, and showcase our talent to the world. It’s a dream we’ve shared for decades, and achieving it would be a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in the gorgeous game in Indonesia.
Moderator: To reach that dream, Indonesia might need to navigate a tricky fourth-round qualification. How do you see the team approaching these potential challenges?
Yohanis: We certainly know it won’t be easy. But this team is resilient and hungry for success. We’ve overcome adversity in the past, and we’ll draw strength from the support of our fans. We’ll fight tooth and nail to achieve our goal of making history.
(Turning to the readers)
What are your thoughts, fans? Do you believe Indonesia can overcome these challenges and secure a place at the 2026 World Cup? Share your opinions in the comments below and let’s keep the conversation going.
