Report by Tribun-Papua.com Journalist, Taniya Sembiring

TRIBUN-PAPUA.COM, JAYAPURA – The excitement of the 2026 World Cup has reached the easternmost part of Indonesia.

In Jayapura City, the sales of jerseys from World Cup participating teams have surged sharply, with Spain emerging as the crowd favourite.

Over the past four days, traders have recorded a significant increase in sales, particularly among children who seem the most enthusiastic about wearing their favourite team’s kit.

The jerseys are priced between Rp50,000 and Rp100,000, making them affordable for a wide range of buyers.

Besides Spain, jerseys of Brazil, Argentina, the Netherlands, and Germany are also selling well.

Rofik, a jersey seller at Paldam in Jayapura City, said he brought in stock from Bandung to meet the soaring demand.

The trader, originally from Madura, is also selling World Cup-themed merchandise such as hats, flags of various countries, and even kebaya attire to make the most of this major event.

“When there’s an event like the World Cup, products sell out fast. Children are the biggest buyers—they love joining in to support their teams,” said Rofik while arranging the colourful jerseys at his stall, when met by Tribun-Papua.com on Saturday (6 June 2026).

This phenomenon reflects that football is not merely entertainment but has become part of the community’s lifestyle.

Support for certain teams is often passed down through generations or influenced by global trends.

Andi, a devoted fan of Spain, admitted that he has long been in love with the team known as La Roja.

“I hope Spain can win this time. I’ve always admired their style of play,” he said.

The enthusiasm of Jayapura residents is also visible from the wide array of fan gear seen on the streets.

Flags of World Cup nations are fluttering in many corners of the city, while children run around proudly wearing their team jerseys.

This atmosphere adds to the festive spirit leading up to the world’s biggest football celebration.

For local traders, the World Cup season brings economic blessings as sales continue to climb.

For fans, wearing their team’s jersey is not just about fashion—it’s a symbol of support and pride.

Jayapura once again proves that the spirit of football can unite the community in shared joy.