Arsenal will play pre-season fixtures in Indonesia for the first time since 1983 next summer, with a game against the Indonesian national team scheduled for July 13-14.

Arsenal have toured Asia for the past two pre-seasons, with great success, and now Indonesia will join in on the fun.

Pre-season tours of this type can be inconvenient but are a crucial form of income for worldwide clubs like Arsenal.

Chief commercial officer Tom Fox was in Indonesia to announce the game, and he had this to say on the plans:

"Everyone at Arsenal, the players, Arsène Wenger and all the backroom staff are looking forward to coming to Indonesia after 30 years away," he said. "We know that Arsenal enjoys fantastic support in Indonesia, with over 1.3 million fans connected to us by Facebook alone, and we look forward to giving our loyal fans the chance to see their heroes in action. We are also looking forward to learning more about the country's rich culture and history."

Hary Tanoesoedibjo, CEO of the MNC Group, the match sponsors and co-organisers, said:

"It is a great honor for MNC Group and specifically RCTI to have been able to arrange this historic visit of Arsenal to Indonesia.”

Raja Sapta Oktohari, president of match co-organisers M-Pro Sports and Entertainment, added:

"We know Arsenal has tremendous support in Indonesia and we really want to bring this legendary club close to the fans in the country. Many may have thought this was impossible but football lovers in Indonesia certainly do not want to miss the opportunity to meet the stars of Arsenal and see firsthand their expertise in playing the beautiful game."

Julian Kam, CEO of overall tour organisers PROEvents Group, said:

"We are extremely happy to be working with RCTI and M-Pro Sports and Entertainment in bringing Arsenal to Indonesia for the enjoyment of the Club's many fans in this country. It will also be a great opportunity to showcase the passion of Indonesian fans and the beauty of their country to the world."

Arsenal will also be playing in Nigeria and China next summer, with other fixtures to come.

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