Football West CEO Jamie Harnwell says Wednesday night’s international friendly between the Men’s WA State Team and Indonesian professional side Persebaya Surabaya demonstrates the potential of football in Western Australia.
More than 1500 supporters, including hundreds cheering on the visiting side, braved the cold to attend the Sam Kerr Football Centre in Queens Park – with an estimated audience of up to 20 million watching live on national TV in Indonesia.
Premier Roger Cook was special guest at a pre-match function where he, Mr Harnwell and Persebaya FC President Azrul Ananda talked up the bond between Australia and Indonesia, in particular WA and East Java who are celebrating the 35th anniversary of their sister-state relationship.
Other guests included Secretary of East Java Province Adhy Karyono, Daniel Pastorelli MLA, who represented Deputy Premier and Sports Minister Rita Saffioti, and Australian Consul-General in Surabaya Glen Askew, who presented the trophy to the winning captain.
“This was a night we can all be proud of and it demonstrates the power of football to bring people together and its great potential in this state,” Mr Harnwell said.
“To see so many turn out on a cold Wednesday night, including many who made the journey from Surabaya, was something we will remember for a very long time. Their passion, enthusiasm and noise was infectious.
“A lot is spoken about sports diplomacy and we saw it in play at the Sam Kerr Football Centre. Football is by far the No1 sport in Indonesia and the most participated team sport in Western Australia, and it can open many doors at all levels.
“I would like to thank the Premier and other special guests who supported what was a huge night for our sport. Football West values the strong backing of the WA Government, especially through the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport.
“I also want to acknowledge the work that was put in by everybody at Football West to pull this event together. It was a real team effort.
“And thanks to our clubs for their co-operation in making players available. The reaction from the players afterwards showed how much they enjoyed representing the State Team.”
Facebook post from Premier Roger Cook ...
... and Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti
Football West’s relationship with the Persebaya club began in 2018 when they brought an Under-19 side to play in Perth. Football West took a similar team to Surabaya 12 months later, and in December 2024 the two parties signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding to work together on talent development and sporting and cultural exchange visits.
Persebaya won Wednesday’s inaugural International Cup clash 2-0 but were well-matched by a WA team selected from the National Premier Leagues West (NPL) and State League competitions.
A close-range finish from Mexican Francisco Rivera and Rizky Dwi's deflected effort from 35 yards in stoppage time gave the visitors the win. Olympic Kingsway's Laat Mathiang and Cameron Teece of Bayswater City went closest for Ian Ferguson's side, who performed admirably against a strong professional team.
WA captain Aryn Williams, a former player with Persebaya and still a massive fan favourite with their Bonek supporters, said: "It was a great night to be involved in, and I thought we performed really well, especially considering we have had only a few sessions together.
"Persebaya is a great club and we saw the quality of their team. But I thought we matched them.
"I have a great relationship with their supporters and it was nice to see them again. Hopefully we can do something like this again."
