Oracle octopus predicts Indonesia win in AFF cup final

Jakarta Globe - 

Meet Gudel, a female giant Pacific octopus and a resident of Sea World in Ancol, North Jakarta.

Indonesia will meet Malaysia in the second leg of the final in Jakarta today, hoping to finally end its dry spell in Southeast Asia’s premier football competition.

Facing a 3-0 deficit after the Kuala Lumpur leg, Indonesia has to win big at Bung Karno Stadium if it wants to lift the cup after falling short in their three previous appearances at the finals.

Gudel, an acronym for 'gurita dewa laut' or 'king of the ocean octopus,' could help boost the spirits of Indonesian supporters, having picked Indonesia to win today's AFF Suzuki Cup final second leg.

Inspired by Paul the octopus, who became an international celebrity with his sharp predictions for Germany's games in this year's World Cup, SeaWorld put two jars inside Gudel's pen, one with an Indonesian flag and one with a Malaysian. Each jar contained a morsel of food.

The mollusk spent two hours going around the two jars, taking her time to study the jars. Finally, to the cheers of the spectators, she wrapped her tentacles around the jar with Indonesian flag. She did not budge despite the gamekeeper's persuasion.

SeaWorld's director, Sonny Widjanarko, said 18-month-old Gudel was taken from Hokkaido, Japan.

“Gudel just arrived today from Japan. She's the only occupant of the Giant Pacific Octopus aquarium,” Sonny said.

Photo Yudhi Sukma Wijaya

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