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JAKARTA, Indonesia – Layvin Kurzawa and Andrew Jung are bringing a touch of France to Persib Bandung, and their presence is strengthening the sporting ties between Indonesia and France. The pair, along with Persib coach Bojan Hodak, were in Jakarta on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, not for a Super League match – the league is currently paused due to national team commitments – but to foster this growing collaboration.
The visit, which included Persib Director of Marketing Glenn Sugita, underscores the importance France places on expanding its relationship with Indonesia, extending beyond defense and culture into the realm of sports. Persib, with Kurzawa and Jung both holding French passports, was a natural choice to represent this partnership.
Jersey Presentation Symbolizes Growing Ties
As a tangible symbol of the burgeoning partnership, Persib presented jerseys of Layvin Kurzawa and Andrew Jung to French Ambassador to Indonesia, Fabien Penone. The presentation took place at the French Residence in Jakarta.
“We see a great honor for me to welcome you today to the French Residence,” Ambassador Penone said, as reported by KOMPAS.com. “We are very happy to welcome the management of Persib Bandung and its players. I would too like to thank Glenn [Sugita] for bringing a touch of France to Persib Bandung.”
Penone further emphasized his enthusiasm, stating, “We are very happy, especially because you, Glen, Andrew [Jung], and Leyvin, could come to Indonesia.”
The French government’s interest in expanding cooperation with Indonesia was highlighted by Penone, who referenced a visit by President Prabowo last year during Bastille Day celebrations. “We continue to strengthen and diversify cooperation, starting from the defense sector to culture. Of course, we are also very interested in developing cooperation in the field of sports,” he explained. He noted the shared passion for football between the people of France and Indonesia.
Kurzawa, speaking on behalf of Persib, expressed his honor at being a part of this initiative. “Thank you for welcoming us. Thank you also to everyone who is here,” he said. “As I said, if People can develop football in Indonesia, we are very happy.” Kurzawa joined Persib during the mid-season transfer window of the Super League.
This collaboration isn’t simply about football; it’s about leveraging the global appeal of the sport to strengthen diplomatic and cultural bonds between the two nations. The involvement of high-profile players like Kurzawa, a veteran of European club football, adds significant weight to the initiative.
The timing of this strengthened relationship is noteworthy. Indonesia is increasingly focused on developing its sporting infrastructure and raising its profile on the international stage. France, with its rich sporting history and expertise, is well-positioned to contribute to this growth.
While the specifics of the cooperation remain to be fully detailed, the jersey presentation and the presence of key figures from both Persib and the French government signal a commitment to a long-term partnership. This could potentially involve player exchanges, coaching clinics, and joint development programs aimed at improving the standard of football in Indonesia.
The presence of Andrew Jung alongside Kurzawa is particularly significant. Jung’s familiarity with the Indonesian football landscape, having already established himself as a key player for Persib, provides a valuable link between the two cultures. His enthusiasm for Kurzawa’s arrival, as reported by detik.com, further underscores the positive atmosphere surrounding this collaboration.
The partnership also comes on the heels of Persib’s recent collaboration with a British streetwear brand, demonstrating the club’s growing ambition to expand its reach beyond the pitch. This multifaceted approach to partnerships – encompassing sports, fashion, and international relations – positions Persib as a leading force in Indonesian football.
Looking ahead, the focus will be on translating this initial goodwill into concrete actions. Further details regarding specific projects and initiatives are expected to be announced in the coming months. For Persib fans, the prospect of seeing their club play a role in strengthening ties between Indonesia and France is a source of pride and excitement.
The next step for Persib will be a return to Super League action once the national team commitments conclude. However, the impact of this diplomatic initiative is likely to extend far beyond the football field, fostering a deeper and more meaningful relationship between Indonesia and France.
Stay tuned to Archysport for further updates on this developing story and for comprehensive coverage of the Indonesian Super League.
