Persib Bandung Strengthens Ties with France Through Football Diplomacy
Jakarta, Indonesia – In a display of cultural and sporting exchange, Indonesian Super League football club Persib Bandung visited the French Ambassador to Indonesia and Timor Leste, Fabien Penone, at Wisma Prancis in Menteng, Central Jakarta, on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. The visit included Persib players Layvin Kurzawa and Andrew Jung, alongside club officials and the Mayor of Bandung, M. Farhan.
A Symbol of Friendship and Cooperation
Ambassador Penone welcomed the delegation, expressing his pleasure at the visit and highlighting the growing relationship between Indonesia and France. “It is a great honor for me to welcome you today at Wisma Prancis. We are very pleased to welcome the Persib Bandung management and players,” stated Penone. He further acknowledged the contribution of French players to the club, saying, “I would also like to thank Glenn (Timothy Sugita, President Director of Persib Bandung) for bringing a French touch to Persib Bandung.”
Football as a Bridge Between Nations
The meeting underscored the potential of football to strengthen bilateral ties. Ambassador Penone referenced President Prabowo’s visit to France on Bastille Day last year, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to diversify cooperation between the two nations, spanning defense, culture, and now, sports. “We continue to strengthen and diversify our cooperation, from defense to culture. Of course, we are also very interested in developing cooperation in the field of sports.”
Persib’s French Connection
Glenn Sugita, President Director of Persib Bandung, emphasized the significance of having French players within the team. “This year we have the opportunity to have two French players in the Persib team, which is a real joy for us,” he said. “It’s great to have them in our squad. We’ve never had an experience like this before. From what I hear, everyone loves them and they bring positive energy to the team.”
Potential for Sponsorship and Global Reach
The presence of Kurzawa and Jung is also anticipated to attract new sponsorship opportunities for Persib Bandung. According to Sugita, the players’ international experience can enhance the club’s appeal to global partners and expand its international network. “The presence of these two players will not only improve the quality of Persib’s play on the field, but is also expected to attract new sponsors.”
Players Express Enthusiasm
Layvin Kurzawa, who joined Persib during the mid-season transfer window, expressed his honor at contributing to the partnership between France and Indonesia. “Thank you for welcoming us. Thank you also to everyone here,” Kurzawa said. “As I said, if we can develop football in Indonesia, we are very happy.”
Persib coach Bojan Hodak added, “Football has a strategic role as a bridge of communication across countries, including in building relationships with governments and the private sector.”
A Jersey as a Token of Friendship
As a gesture of goodwill, Persib Bandung presented Ambassador Penone with a special jersey bearing his name and the number 10, symbolizing the friendship between the club and the French Embassy. Kurzawa playfully remarked on the presentation, suggesting it felt like welcoming a new player to the team.
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