Jakarta. Member of the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) Executive Committee, Arya Sinulingga, assured that the safety of players and staff from the Bahrain national team will be guaranteed when they face the Indonesian national team on March 25, 2025.

Arya made this statement in response to the Bahrain Football Association's request to move their away match against Indonesia for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers from Jakarta.

"Indonesia will guarantee the safety and comfort of all our guests, just as we will for Bahrain. The Indonesian people are known for their hospitality, so we will create a comfortable environment for them," he said on Thursday.

The Bahrain Football Federation reportedly requested the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and FIFA to relocate the match against Indonesia to a neutral venue due to safety concerns for the players and team officials.

This request was likely influenced by backlash from Indonesian netizens on Bahrain's social media accounts following the matchday three results of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers on October 10.

Indonesia was on the verge of securing its first win in the World Cup qualifiers for Group C until Bahrain scored a dramatic equalizer in the 100th minute, ending the match in a 2-2 draw. PSSI plans to protest to FIFA over referee Ahmed Al Kaf's timekeeping performance 

Arya said PSSI will send a letter to the AFC to ensure that the match against Bahrain is hosted in Jakarta for fairness.

"The away match for Indonesia against Bahrain is also held in Bahrain, so Indonesia's home match should rightfully be held in Indonesia," said Arya.

Indonesia’s campaign in Group C will continue next month. On Nov. 14, 2024, the Garuda squad will host group leaders Japan. Five days later, on Nov. 19, 2024, they will face another Asian powerhouse, Saudi Arabia, also at home.

Indonesia remains in fifth place with three points from three draws and one loss. China, also with three points, sits in sixth place.

Japan leads Group C with 10 points, followed by Australia in second with five. Saudi Arabia and Bahrain occupy the third and fourth spots, both with four points.

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