Indonesia’s women’s soccer league resumes after pandemic pause
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After a seven-year break caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Indonesia Women’s League (IWL) restarted on Sunday with matches across the country.
Zahra Naqiyyah and other players returned to competition, hoping to develop women’s soccer in Indonesia, a nation of 290 million people. The IWL had launched in 2019, offering a long-awaited permanent league for women, but was suspended after only one season due to financial issues and the pandemic.
The Football Association of Indonesia is now investing 24 billion rupiah (US$1.34 million) to revive the league and provide player salaries. The initial phase will include six clubs in a five-year trial. While some players had to leave the sport during the league’s hiatus, seeking opportunities abroad or alternative careers, others like Nastasia Suci Ramadhani have returned to compete.
However, players acknowledge challenges in reaching the level of established Asian teams such as Japan, China, and South Korea, who have consistently invested in women’s soccer. Despite never qualifying for the World Cup, Indonesia’s women’s team recently won the ASEAN Football Federation Women’s Cup twice, and are currently ranked 105th globally. Players like Azra Zifa Kayla balance their athletic pursuits with education and employment, recognizing the need for financial security alongside their passion for the sport.
The IWL aims to build a sustainable industry for women’s soccer in Indonesia.
