Garuda Australia, formed in Perth last November, brings together Indonesian national team fans residing down under. This community has its eyes set on World Cup qualifications, but is galvanized to support all Indonesian athletes across the board. "This isn't just about the World Cup qualifiers. We back our national team and Indonesian athletes more broadly," said Osvaldo Giovanni, one of the founders, speaking to SBS Indonesian.
The community is actively contributing to the atmosphere surrounding the World Cup qualifying matches, particularly the highly anticipated game against Japan. “For the World Cup qualification phase, our main objective is to boost attendance at the match in Sydney,” Osvaldo continued. “We are striving to get as many supporters as possible to the Sydney Football Stadium, ensuring our team doesn’t feel alone on the field.”
Anticipation builds as Garuda Australia estimates about 4,000 supporters, marking significant enthusiasm among the diaspora community. The newly formed group will also rally behind boxer Daud Yordan when he faces off in Sydney this coming March, showcasing their commitment beyond football.
To accommodate all fans, the group is exploring various strategies to gather supporters effectively. They understand the hurdles they face, especially when it involves coordinating such large numbers. One potential challenge lies in travel and logistics, which Osvaldo acknowledges plays a key role. Yet, the Garuda Australia organizing committee remains optimistic: “When there’s unity and shared purpose, we can overcome logistical challenges,” he added.
Garuda Australia is extending its reach through social media channels, encouraging fans to participate actively and spread the word. They envision creating what Osvaldo called, “a sea of red and white,” during the matches, painting the Sydney stadium in the unmistakable colors of Indonesia.
With the looming qualifier against Japan, followers are eager to transform Sydney Football Stadium, hoping to make it feel like “Kandang Garuda,” or Garuda's Nest. This local rallying cry reflects their desire to replicate the supportive and vibrant atmosphere typically found during hometown matches back in Indonesia.
Through gatherings, such as viewing parties dubbed 'nobar', community members come together not just to watch games, but to build camaraderie and develop their support networks. One such event at the Hillview Intercultural Community Centre proved to be festive and unifying.
“The atmosphere was electric, and it felt incredible to share this moment with fellow fans,” noted Osvaldo, who highlighted the importance of such events to strengthen community ties.
Beyond just sports, Garuda Australia promotes messages of unity and encouragement, which resonate deeply within the diaspora. They are committed to fostering the spirit of team loyalty and pride among those who might feel detached from their homeland.
Despite the distance, the Indonesian community is relentless. They look to encourage as many supporters as possible to attend the matches, thereby creating familiarity and visibility for Indonesian athletes competing abroad.
Osvaldo concluded, “Our message to the broader Indonesian fans out there is simple: come out, show your support, and let’s celebrate our athletes together.” With dreams of seeing their team at the World Cup flowing through the veins of the fans, the resilience of the Garuda Australia community stands as a beacon of hope and passion amid the vast ocean between them and their homeland.
Stay tuned to SBS Indonesian for more updates on how Garuda Australia is preparing for the big match and learn how you can join this ever-growing community of passionate supporters.