Jakarta. The Indonesia Arena was set ablaze on Saturday evening as thousands of fans warmly welcomed the South Korean women’s football team, Red Sparks, which fielded local star Megawati Pertiwi in a friendly match against the host’s all-star team.

In a thrilling encounter, the Korean team emerged victorious with a 3-2 scoreline, captivating the audience at the newly-built stadium in Jakarta, which recently co-hosted the Basketball World Cup.

Coach Ko Hee-jin fielded the main starting lineup in the opening set, which included the versatile Megawati alongside stalwarts such as Kim Se-in, Park Hye-min, Jung Ho-young, Park Eun-jin, Yeum Hye-seon, and Noh Ran as libero. 

The Indonesian All-Star team, comprising national team members like Hany Budiati, Wida Siti Nur Fadhilah, Ratri Wulandari, Medi Yoku, Khalisa Azilia Rahma, Yolla Yuliana, Shella Bernadetha, and Dita Azizah as libero, faced a tough challenge from the outset.

The visitors showcased their prowess in the opening game, clinching it with a convincing 25-17 on the score board.

The Red Sparks continued their dominance in the second set, racing to a 10-0 lead before sealing the set 25-15. Megawati's exceptional performance showcased her ability to elevate the game to a higher level.

In a gesture of camaraderie and sportsmanship, Red Sparks loaned Megawati and setter Yeum Hye-seon to the Indonesia All-Star team in the third set, much to the delight of the crowd. The move sparked a resurgence in the host team, who staged a remarkable comeback to win the set 25-19 and subsequently the fourth set 25-18.

As the match entered the deciding set, both teams reverted to their original lineups, with Megawati representing her Korean team. Despite a valiant effort from the Indonesian players, the Red Sparks emerged victorious with a narrow 15-12 win in the fifth set.

Megawati, who showcased her versatility by contributing to all the winning sets for both sides, was rightfully named the most valuable player of the fun match. With an impressive tally of 736 points in the last season, she remains a formidable force on the court.

“Thank you very much to all fans for coming here, especially those traveling from afar outside of the island just to be here,” Megawati greeted the crowd after the match.

The friendly match, initiated by the Youth Affairs and Sports Ministry, served as a prelude to the country’s top-flight volleyball competition, Proliga, slated to begin next week.

As the Korean competition enters the summer break, Megawati, along with teammate Giovanna Milana, will join the local team Jakarta Pertamina Enduro to compete in Proliga.

The organizers reported a sold-out crowd of 11,500 spectators, filling the 16,000-capacity stadium. Former President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, owner of two-time Proliga champion Lavani Volleyball Club, graced the event with his presence, accompanied by his son, Agrarian Minister Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono.

In addition to volleyball enthusiasts, the event attracted a diverse audience, including Indonesian teenagers influenced by South Korean pop culture. 

The entertainment lineup featured performances by the all-girl band JKT 48 and a lighthearted volleyball match involving actresses, singers, social media personalities, and former Miss Pageants.