The German Plus football team has been a symbol of community and cultural exchange in Jakarta for six decades.
Originally founded in 1964, the team emerged as a bridge between expatriates and the local community through the universal language of football. In 2024, the team celebrates its 60th anniversary, marking this milestone with the 60 Years German Plus Football Tournament at the German School Jakarta.
The Origins and Evolution of German Plus
In the 1980s, as Jakarta became a booming hub for expatriates, football helped many new arrivals, particularly the German community, find their footing. The German Plus team, originally a group of German footballers, quickly grew into a multinational squad. In the 90s, the “Jakarta International Football League” was founded to accommodate the arrival of many expatriates, with teams from various nations, including Dutch, British, French, American, Benin, and Scandinavian contingents.
The German Plus name reflects the team’s international spirit, welcoming players from many different countries. Through the years, footballers from Indonesia, British, Brazil, Austria, Spain, Benin, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, and other countries joined, making it a melting pot of cultures.
The 60th Anniversary: A Celebration of Community
Now, in 2024, the German Plus team is still a fixture in the Jakarta International Football League. To mark the 60th anniversary, the team is organising the 60 Years German Plus Football Tournament at the German School Jakarta. This event celebrates not only the team’s longevity but also its enduring role in fostering connections between expatriates and Indonesians.
The tournament brings together players from diverse backgrounds, celebrating teamwork, cultural exchange, and the spirit of international friendship. It is a vibrant event where families, players, and supporters unite to honour the shared love of football that has been at the heart of German Plus for six decades.
A Lasting Impact on Jakarta’s Football Scene
From its early days in the 1980s, with informal “Kampung” games, to its current role in the Jakarta International Football League, German Plus has been more than just a football team. It has helped build a sense of belonging, create lasting friendships, and promote understanding across cultures. The 60th-anniversary tournament serves as a testament to the team’s ongoing legacy and the bonds it has fostered in Jakarta’s local and expatriate communities.
As German Plus celebrates this incredible milestone, it continues to show that football is not just a sport—it is a unifier, bringing people together regardless of where they come from.
