The Jakarta Bintangs are mourning this week the loss of one of their most committed and selfless performers, one who had never graced the turf itself yet was instrumental in cementing the club’s growth.  Lestari Widyastuti, chief talent scout and patron of the Yogyakarta School of Footballing Excellence, passed away unexpectedly two days before Idul Fitri.  Lestari had just been released from hospital several days prior, where she had battled severe pneumonia, the result of untreated tuberculosis she had been fighting quietly on her own for some time prior.

Her passing typified the selfless nature that the club will always remember of Lestari.  Never asking for any recognition, Lestari was an enthusiastic scout for players from the pool of Australian university students coming and going through Yogyakarta and East Java.

Lestari cared about the club and the students she encouraged to join it.  Lestari’s commitment to Asian Football was based on a firm belief that being a Bintang would be one of the most memorable parts of a student’s time in Indonesia, as well as a means to expand their horizons, future career options and experience of the region.  Her work with the club extended far beyond the realms of her professional duties as an administrator of the Australian Consortium for In-Country Indonesian Studies (ACICIS).  Lestari helped organize flights, hotels, meetings, training sessions, merchandise and more - even accompanying students to Jakarta to help them find their feet in the bewildering big smoke that is Jakarta.

For over a decade while she was involved with ACICIS Lestari would jump in, without hesitation, to help out a student in need, whether it be getting them out of trouble at 3am or providing a respectful ear over a quiet beer.  In her few short years with the Jakarta Bintangs she demonstrated an equally strong dedication. She also loved being part of the club itself, forming close friendships with many of the regular Bintangs players.  She was a keen participant in off-field activities and led the charge on a number of Yogyakarta cultural tours.

From sourcing an oval to a key off-the-bench player, Lestari could be relied upon to contribute immediately and fully to any last minute request, both in an out of Yogya.  But more than that, she was someone who believed in the value of the club and did everything she could to help others get the most out of it. 

We knew only a small part of Lestari, who was the best friend, mentor and guardian to thousands of students who have passed through Indonesia over the last decade, as well as a committed humanitarian, beloved daughter and selfless worker.  She was a true character, who loved a yarn, loved a beer, and resided somewhere uniquely and comfortably between Australian and Indonesian culture.  She was just 39 when she passed away.  She will be missed.

Condolences can be forwarded to Lestari’s family through:

Dr Philip King

Resident Director

ACICIS

Bulaksumur B/10B

Yogyakarta 55281

Indonesia