He said the factory and orders for millions of footballs have provided employment to thousands of young workers in Madiun during a precarious time for the economy amid challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. According to the Indonesian Bureau of Statistics, the economy of Madiun grew 3.34 percent from 2020 to 2021, something which Dawami credits in part to the factory.

Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has championed the export of the footballs, saying it gives the people of East Java a chance to “become part of the world’s economic resonance”.

East Java is known as a hub of commerce, contributing more than 15 percent of Indonesia’s gross domestic product (GDP), according to government statistics. Yet, while East Java has always been known for its large-scale industries, such as shipbuilding, paper milling and cement manufacturing, Dawami said that the pandemic had raised fears of economic slowdown and widespread job cuts.

“Fortunately, the factory became our symbol of the economy recovering after the pandemic,” Dawami said. “We feel now as if the region has had new life breathed into it. The factory and the World Cup has provided a consistent source of work.”

Dawami, a Liverpool supporter, said that Madiun Regency is keen not to be left out of the excitement and, despite Indonesia’s absence from the field, watch parties have been organised so residents can enjoy the games.

Al Rihla is the 14th official World Cup ball and, according to FIFA, the fastest and most accurate ball yet. The ball features a panel design inspired by a Dhow, a traditional Arab boat, with a blue, red, and yellow colour scheme that is meant to represent the landscape of Qatar.

The Al Rihla balls are also the first World Cup ball made exclusively with water-based ink and glue, which are less harmful to the environment.