The SEA Games are not just a sports event. It's a celebration that brings together millions of people in Southeast Asia every two years. Eleven countries, dozens of sports, and a whole lot of passion.
From football to pencak silat, everything revolves around pride, commitment, and perseverance. It's a bit like the Olympic Games, but with that typical Asian energy you feel as soon as you enter the stadium.
In Indonesia, it's a national event. The streets turn red and white, families gather in front of the TV, and everywhere you hear the national anthem. For a player, this is the moment you dream of: you get to represent something bigger than yourself.
An Honor to Play for Indonesia
The moment I put on the red shirt remains special. You feel the weight of the country on your shoulders, but also its strength. When the national anthem sounds and the flag rises, you get goosebumps.
The fans are incredible. They sing, dance, and cheer us on for ninety minutes straight. It's so intense that you forget how tough the match actually is. Every sprint, every pass, every tackle. You do it with one thought: give everything for Indonesia.
For me, playing for the national team is not just a match. It's an honor. And every time I wear that shirt, I feel proud.
The Power of Southeast Asia
Football in Southeast Asia is more than a game. It's a piece of identity.
Everywhere you see children playing football, families sitting together along the field, and supporters giving everything for their country. The energy is incredible.
In Indonesia, football lives even a bit harder. Fans sometimes travel hours to be there. They sing non-stop, regardless of the score. That creates a feeling of connection you can hardly find anywhere else.
And that's perhaps the most beautiful of all: Sport brings people together. Different languages, cultures, and backgrounds merge into one great feeling of pride.
Team Spirit and Fighting Spirit
Behind every success is a team that works incredibly hard. We train intensely, often in the heat, and motivate each other to keep getting better.
It's not just about talent, but about discipline and trust. And yes, also about fun. Because if you don't enjoy it, you can't keep it up.
What I find special about the team is how different we are. We don't all speak the same language, but we share one dream. That connects us.
The culture here is different from Europe. After every training, we pray together. We pause to reflect on what we have, and that brings peace.
Once I forgot to join in prayer. Not on purpose, just lost in my own world for a moment. I was called out for it, and rightly so. Because respect is part of it.
More Than Football
The SEA Games are not just about sports. They're about people.
After matches, you meet players from other countries. You talk, laugh, exchange shirts, and hear each other's stories. It makes you aware of how big the world is.
Everyone here has the same goal: to get better, to mean something, to be proud. It's inspiring to experience that. It shows that sport is more than winning or losing. It's about connecting.
What This Tournament Means to Me
For me, participating in the SEA Games is a dream come true. I've had to work hard for it. Fall, get up, keep going.
For years I played among the boys. That wasn't always easy. The changing rooms were a problem, sometimes I had to change in the toilet or with the referee. And yes, there was sometimes laughter.
But I didn't let it get to me. Giving a panna and then seeing those surprised faces? That was my way of responding.
Fortunately, there were also parents who said after the match: "You can really play football well." That gave me energy to keep going.
That's why this tournament is so much more than just a few matches. It's proof that dreams can come true if you keep believing.
Keep Chasing Dreams
When I look back, I mainly feel gratitude. Everything I've experienced, from playing among the boys to now wearing Indonesia's shirt, has shaped me.
My dream? To one day play with Indonesia in a major tournament. The World Cup.
We've already taken steps. And when we're complete, we can compete with the top of Asia. I believe in that.
I want to inspire youth to keep dreaming. To never give up. Because if I can do it, you can too.
Hopefully everyone keeps supporting us. Because only together can we make Indonesia proud. 💪🇮🇩⚽
