JAKARTA, LIGHTHOUSE — Didik Algifari’s face never ceases to show a happy smile. The teenager from the west coast of Donggala Regency, Central Sulawesi still can’t believe he can stand in front of the Minister of Youth and Sports (Menpora) Erick Thohir and Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Taufik Hidayat in Jakarta.
For Didik, who is only 14 years old, the moment feels like a dream. “I didn’t expect to be able to shake hands directly with Mr. Erick Thohir, especially since he is also the Chairman of PSSI,” he said with twinkling eyes.

The grandson of Irwan Lahatje, the former Head of the Central Sulawesi Provincial Education and Culture Office, admitted that the experience was a great motivation for him to continue to train and excel in the world of football. “I want to be able to play in the national team one day,” he added excitedly.
Didik is one of the defensive pillars of the Palu U-14 Selection, a young football team from Central Sulawesi that has just returned from the 2025 SingaCup in Singapore. In the prestigious event between countries, the Palu Selection team performed stunning by conquering strong teams from India, Australia, and Singapore, before finally their steps were stopped in the last 8.

This achievement attracted the attention of the Ministry of Youth and Sports. Erick Thohir and Taufik Hidayat gave special appreciation to the young team from Palu when they arrived in Jakarta. Erick called the struggle of the Palu Selection children as a clear example of the sports spirit from the region that should be proud of.

The appreciation is a sweet conclusion to Palu Selection’s journey in the SingaCup. For Didik Algifari, who is the son of Zakir and Edawati, the moment of meeting directly with state officials and the PSSI Chairman is not only an honor, but also a reminder that hard work from remote areas can take a person far.