Indonesian Liverpool Fans Rejoice As Team Wins Premier League

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – Liverpool’s success in winning the Premier League title in 30 years heartened its fanbase in England and around the world.

Though the Reds achieved the feat indirectly after bitter rivals Chelsea beat Manchester City 2 – 1 in London on Thursday, June 27 local time, the joy is no less profound for Liverpool fans throughout Indonesia as they are in Liverpool itself.

Among those caught up in the excitement are a number of Indonesian celebrities who stayed with the Premier League powerhouse in its quest for the Premier League title.

'You’ll Never Walk Alone'

"After a long painful 30 years waiting. Finally Liverpool Champion of England 2019/2020 [sic]," writes Indonesian singer Ari Lasso beneath a collage of Liverpool on his Instagram account.

A diehard Liverpool fan who often sports the team’s jerseys and other paraphernalia, the former vocalist of Indonesian rock band Dewa 19 also crooned Liverpool’s anthem “You’ll Never Walk Alone.”

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“The lyrics of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ can describe those facing the [coronavirus],” said Ari, who sang some of Dewa's most iconic hits, such as "Cukup Siti Nurbaya" and "Satu Hati".

“Its message that everyone has to be strong in the face of adversity is just as applicable [in Indonesia] as it is for Liverpool’s struggles.”

For former Club Eighties drummer Deddy Mahendra Desta, Liverpool’s Premier League triumph evoked his memories of watching the club in their hallowed home ground at Anfield Stadium.

“I have also taken pictures with past and present Liverpool greats such as John Barnes, Robbie Fowler, Steven Gerrard, Xabi Alonso and current captain Jordan Henderson,” he said. “Once Liverpool clinched the title, I uploaded the photos [to social media].”

AP PHOTO/JON SUPER Liverpool fans celebrate in front of Anfield Stadium

Tears of joy

Indonesian actor and entrepreneur Ananda Omesh recalled receiving an emotional rush on receiving the news about Liverpool’s mastery of the Premier League.

“I woke up with tears of joy on hearing that Liverpool are [Premier League] champions. I was supposed to watch them live [in Anfield], but the plans have been undone by the [Covid-19] pandemic,” Ananda said in his Instagram account.

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Omesh visited Anfield Stadium in 2013. He recalled getting the best seats in the house, namely the Royal Box.

Liverpool has run rampant during its Premier League title run in the 2019–2020 season. The Reds garnered 86 points, leaving second place Manchester City far behind with a 23-point difference. 

Liverpool visited Jakarta in 2013, where they faced off against a select team of Indonesian All Stars at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium.

(Writer/Editor: Nugyasa Laksamana)

Sources:

https://bola.kompas.com/read/2020/06/26/20465058/deretan-artis-indonesia-rayakan-keberhasilan-liverpool-dari-desta-hingga-ari.