Jakarta — In the two weeks from 24 September to 7 October 2025, the Indonesian National Football Team became the nation’s sole focus. Ahead of the decisive fourth‑round qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup against two Asian giants, Saudi Arabia and Iraq, the Garuda team suddenly found itself at the centre of narratives showing a duality of public emotion—between optimism and doubt. The Indonesian team is scheduled to play hosts Saudi Arabia and Iraq at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah; the Garuda squad faces Saudi Arabia on 9 October and Iraq three days later.

Using big‑data media monitoring tools, PT Binokular Media Utama (“Binokular”) traced the flow of information produced by mass media and public conversations on social media. During the 24 September–7 October 2025 monitoring period, this research mapped news highlights and online buzz about preparations for these crucial matches.

Three Issues Surface in the Mass Media

Massive coverage. During the monitoring period, news distribution showed a record‑breaking volume for a pre‑match context: 12,159 articles were published across online, print and broadcast outlets—evidence of the public’s hunger for historic achievement.

Sentiment breakdown. Positive sentiment dominated at 70.1 %; negative sentiment accounted for 27.1 % and neutral stories 2.7 %. Negative stories were largely amplified by coverage of FIFA and AFC rejecting PSSI’s protest about a neutral referee for the Indonesia vs Saudi Arabia match.

Top issues

1. Indonesia’s chances of reaching the 2026 World Cup were the most discussed topic. Football Meets Data and Footy Rankings predicted Indonesia’s chances at 5–7 % to top the group and 20 % to finish runner‑up. They forecast Indonesia finishing bottom of Group B, with Saudi Arabia and Iraq favoured to advance.
2. Optimism from goalkeeper Maarten Paes came second. Paes said that reaching the fourth qualifying round would be hugely meaningful for the Garuda team—a statement reflecting the team’s awareness that their progress mirrors the evolution of Indonesian football.
3. Coach Patrick Kluivert’s strategy was also a focus. Reports noted that Kluivert will adopt tactics from predecessor Shin Tae‑yong—emphasising high pressing and quick counter‑attacks. This continuity ensures an aggressive, never‑give‑up playing identity remains the team’s foundation.

Nicko Mardiansyah, Binokular’s Manager of News Big Data Analytics, commented that these positive narratives, especially those on Coach Patrick’s strategy, “provide tactical assurance to the public that the on‑field struggle will be carried out with calculation and courage”.

Three Main Reasons Behind Netizen Doubts

1. Social‑Media Monitoring Data

Danu Setio Wihananto, Manager of Social Media Big Data Analytics (Socindex) at Binokular, reported 94,322 social‑media conversations about the upcoming match. Discussions were dominated by YouTube, followed by TikTok and Instagram. Engagement peaked on 4 October 2025 with 12,779 conversations, driven by posts showing the Indonesian team starting training in Saudi Arabia and a steady stream of netizen support.

Although positive and neutral sentiment dominated, 375 conversations carried pessimistic tones. Danu warned that this small number should not be ignored: it generated a potential reach of 5,172,844 and total engagement of 7,762.

2. Absence of Two Defensive Pillars

The greatest concern was news that main goalkeepers Maarten Paes and Emil Audero might be absent. Both are viewed as vital under the crossbar. Their absence raises questions about squad depth and defensive solidity against the deadly attacks of Saudi Arabia and Iraq. This topic recorded 915 conversations and 562,469 engagements. Danu noted that a single strong pessimistic post can spread widely, reaching millions and potentially undermining the collective optimism built by mainstream media.

3. Referee Controversy and FIFA Rankings

Another doubt driver was the rejection by FIFA and AFC of PSSI’s protest over the appointment of referee Ahmad Al Ali. Netizens feared bias because the Kuwaiti referee comes from the Middle East, and they recalled feeling disadvantaged in previous matches he officiated. This issue saw 665 discussions and 65,904 engagements.

A further concern was the FIFA rankings: Saudi Arabia is ranked 59, Iraq 58, and Indonesia 119. For digital audiences, rankings act as an on‑paper strength gauge, fuelling doubts about whether the Garuda squad can bridge the perceived quality gap.

Even though the referee controversy is a structural issue that draws negative social‑media attention, Danu urged the team and management to convert this controversy into motivation. A strong team, he said, does not only defeat opponents on the field but also conquers doubts and injustices surrounding it.

Response and Call to Unity

Vice President of Operations at Binokular Big Data Analytics, Ridho Marpaung, affirmed that both optimism and doubt are natural. He stressed that the Garuda squad needs support and unity from fans off the field. “The match between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia is one of our chances to make history by entering the 2026 World Cup. We therefore invite all Indonesians and their supporters to unite in supporting the national team—before, during and after the match. Let us embrace this moment by showing sportsmanship, bravery, honesty, patriotism, and Indonesian unity to the world,” Ridho concluded.

Contacts

Nicko

Ridho