In Support of The Papua Football Academy's Participation in the Gothia Cup 2025, SKF And Freeport Sign a Strategic Partnership to Empower Indonesian Youth Through Football
This publication is authored by and reflects the views and opinions of PT SKF Industrial Indonesia. More information about SKF is available at www.skf.com
Jakarta, Indonesia – PT SKF Industrial Indonesia (SKF) and PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support the Papua Football Academy (PFA) in competing in the Gothia Cup 2025. The MoU was signed by Satheswaran Mayachandran, President Director of PT SKF Industrial Indonesia, and Tony Wenas, President Director of PT Freeport Indonesia in Jakarta, Monday (26/5).
The signing ceremony, held in Jakarta, not only marked the beginning of a strategic collaboration but also celebrated youth empowerment through sports.
Satheswaran Mayachandran, President Director of PT SKF Industrial Indonesia, stated that SKF is committed not only to company’s business goals but also to their values: Collaboration, Care, Courage, and Curiosity. “Sports, especially football, can be a powerful tool for character-building, skill development, and community advancement. We are proud to partner with PTFI in supporting these exceptional young athletes. This collaboration is about nurturing future leaders through sports. By backing the PFA team at the Gothia Cup, we are investing in diversity, equality, and the limitless potential of Indonesia’s youth,” Satheswaran Mayachandran said.
Tony Wenas, President Director of PT Freeport Indonesia, is proud that the PFA Team is ready to compete in the Gothia Cup 2025 in Sweden. "For the past three years, PFA players have undergone a rigorous selection process by selecting more than 4,000 children, exploring and honing the best talents to be developed professionally. Now they are ready to compete in the international arena. This is a source of pride for Freeport Indonesia," said Tony.
PFA is a Papuan football athlete development program formed by PTFI in 2022, with the aim of producing world-class Indonesian football athletes. PFA also provides formal education and skills development that support the formation of good character.
SKF is providing full support to three Indonesian youth teams set to participate in the Gothia Cup 2025 in Gothenburg, Sweden, from July 13–19, 2025. These teams are part of SKF Indonesia’s "Meet The World With SKF" program.
A Historic Milestone for Indonesian Teams at Gothia Cup
This year’s Gothia Cup holds special significance as it marks the tournament’s 50th anniversary. In 2025, three Indonesian teams from the "Meet The World With SKF Indonesia" program are competing. They are:
- Papua Football Academy (U-14) Team – They are the selected team from the 'Meet The World With SKF PFA Selection Camp' and the first exclusive Papua team to compete in the Gothia Cup. This PFA Team is a testament to PTFI’s commitment to inclusive youth development in Papua.
- U-13 Boys Team from Persib Cimahi Academy – Champions of the "Meet The World With SKF Road to Gothia Cup 2025" Grand Finale, held across six Indonesian cities (Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya, Solo, Makassar, and Pekanbaru). The squad was further strengthened by the addition of eight top talents scouted during the Grand Finale.
- U-13 Girls Team from SDN Srengseng 01 – Winners of the "Meet The World With SKF Girls School Challenge 2024". The team will also include four All-Star players selected from the Girls School Challenge in Bandung and Tangerang (April 19–20, 2025). Coached by Yopie Riwoe, this team is historic as Indonesia’s first-ever girls' team to participate in the Gothia Cup—a major milestone for women’s football and a testament to SKF’s CSR focus on female empowerment.
CSR Through Sports: "Meet the World with SKF"
This youth development initiative stems from SKF’s global CSR program, "Meet the World with SKF", which nurtures young talent through sports as a means of personal and community growth. SKF is funding all logistical aspects for the teams—including tournament registration, international travel, accommodation, meals, team uniforms, and training equipment. The jerseys will feature the SKF logo, reflecting the company’s global commitment to youth and social development.
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About PT SKF Industrial Indonesia
PT SKF Industrial Indonesia is part of the SKF Group, a global leader in bearing technology and services, with a strong commitment to innovation and sustainability.
About PT Freeport Indonesia
PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) is a mineral mining company affiliated with Freeport-McMoRan (FCX) and Mining Industry Indonesia (MIND ID). PTFI mines and processes ore to produce copper minerals, which contain gold and silver.
PTFI markets concentrates worldwide, primarily to domestic copper smelters, PT Smelting. PTFI's mining operations are located in the Grasberg mineral area, Papua - Indonesia. PTFI currently operates the world's largest underground block caving mine. In conducting its operational activities, PTFI prioritizes responsible business practices.
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For further information, please contact:
Santika Amelia
Executive Assistant & Communication Asst. Manager
PT SKF Industrial Indonesia
Email: santika.amelia@skf.com
Desy Saputra
External Communications Manager
PT Freeport Indonesia
Email : rsaputra24@fmi.com