Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny signs a fan's jersey after an open training at Jakarta's Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium on July 13th. Arsenal visited Jakarta as its first stop of their preseason tour to Asia. [Zahara Tiba/Khabar]

For Indonesian national footballers this year, Ramadan is a busy time, as they are facing three top English Premier League (EPL) teams during their preseason tour. The Arsenal, Liverpool, and Chelsea Football Clubs have picked Indonesia as one of their stops during the 2013 Asia Tour.

Arsenal made its second visit to Jakarta in 31 years, bringing its 24 elite players to face the Indonesian team July 14th. In addition, the team attended some pre-match events, including an open training the evening before, witnessed by thousands of Indonesian Gooners (Arsenal fans) who packed Jakarta's iconic Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium.

"It's very exciting to be here in Indonesia. I've been here many times before. But to be here with the Arsenal team and receive this warm welcome is fantastic," Arsenal CEO Ivan Gasidis told reporters at a press conference.

"We're very excited to be back, very proud and honoured to have such strong support in Indonesia. We have more Facebook followers in Indonesia than anywhere else in the world."

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere also discussed Indonesian fans' devotion.

"I have a lot of followers in Indonesia. We know that you wake in the middle of the night to watch our games. I hope we can see you on Sunday and give a good performance for you," said the 21-year-old.

The friendly match saw Indonesia fall 7-0 to the team nicknamed the Gunners.

The next matches were scheduled against Liverpool on July 20th and Chelsea on July 25th.

The Arsenal squad attends an open training at Jakarta's Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium on July 13th. [Zahara Tiba/Khabar]

Competing during Ramadan

Preparing the Indonesia team for the matches presents a big challenge for National Team Head Coach Jacksen Fereira Tiago, especially since most of his players are Muslims who are fasting during Ramadan.

"It is an honour and source of pride for us to have been given a chance to meet such world class teams competing in the English Premier League. Even though we are now facing Ramadan, where half of the team is fasting, I am happy to do it, as it is an obligation for every Muslim," said the Brazilian during a pre-match press conference.

To accommodate, Tiago moved the team training schedule from daytime to evening.

"Indeed, I find more advantages from it. The team is given an early opportunity to adapt to the match, as every match will be held in the evening," he added. Tiago said he saw no difference between Muslim and non-Muslim players, despite the fasting.

"Both Firdaus Ramadhan [a Muslim player] and Ricardo Salampessy [a non-Muslim player] have shown no differences. The only difference is their meal time," he said.

Firdaus, the 25-year-old who is making his debut on the national team, likewise said he felt no different in his training during Ramadan.

"Moving the training session to evening is the best option for Muslim players like me. I have no problem with that," Firdaus told Khabar.

"I just hope I can give my best for the team and the country. It is an honour for me."

Fans thrilled

The visit of the EPL teams has delighted Indonesian fans. Falah Fahrudin, 17, could not hide his excitement after getting his Arsenal jersey signed by some of his favorite players.

"I am so excited to see them and get their signatures on my jersey," the Jakarta resident told Khabar.

"It is just too bad their visits are during Ramadan because most of our players are fasting. But maybe this month is the best since it is the League's off-season," he said.

"I hope football will not distract from practicing our religion during Ramadan. I also love football, but I will put it as a secondary priority after all of the duties of Ramadan," 23-year-old Jakarta resident Ningsih Wahyuni told Khabar.

"However, Islam also encourages everyone to be creative, and I am proud of both EPL and the Indonesian football team. Ramadan should enhance the game and not prevent them from winning," she added.