October 28, 2025 | 06:54 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The position of head coach for Indonesia’s national football team will soon be vacant, as the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) prepares to recruit a new manager ahead of the FIFA Match Day in March 2026.
PSSI Executive Committee (Exco) member Arya Sinulingga said the federation is currently searching for candidates to replace Patrick Kluivert, whose tenure ended following Indonesia’s failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
“For the upcoming FIFA Match Day in November, the focus will be on the U-23 national team competing in the 2025 SEA Games,” Arya said during the Media Cup 2025 mini soccer tournament at Pendekar Goozone Mini Soccer, Cibis, South Jakarta, on Tuesday, October 28, 2025.
“This means we will need a new coach in March. We’re currently looking for one,” he added.
Post-World Cup Qualification Setback
Arya referred to an earlier statement from PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir, who emphasized the importance of choosing a coach carefully to restore the national team’s image.
“There’s been too much online bullying toward our previous coaches, so we’ll take our time,” Arya said.
The FIFA Match Day in March 2026 will be held between March 23 and 31, when national teams can play two international matches.
Arya said PSSI does not want to rush the selection process, especially as the football atmosphere in Indonesia remains tense following the team’s World Cup qualification exit.
The Garuda squad was eliminated in the fourth round after losing 2–3 to Saudi Arabia and 0–1 to Iraq in Group B earlier this month.
The results prompted PSSI to terminate Kluivert’s contract along with his Dutch coaching staff—Alex Pastoor, Denny Landzaat, and Gerald Vanenburg.
“When making important decisions, you shouldn’t do it when you’re overly happy, angry, or sad,” Arya noted. “We’ll decide once things have settled and we have time to make the right choice.”
Coach Selection Process Still Ongoing
Arya also confirmed that the PSSI Exco has yet to hold a formal meeting regarding the new coach.
“There hasn’t been any Exco meeting about this so far. So, if there are rumors about members agreeing or disagreeing, that’s not true. We haven’t met yet,” he said.
According to Arya, PSSI Chair Erick Thohir has already discussed the matter with the Technical Director, who is shortlisting potential candidates.
“Once the list of coaches is ready, it will be presented at the Exco meeting, and that’s where the final decision will be made,” he explained.
Patrick Kluivert was appointed Indonesia’s head coach in January 2025, replacing South Korean tactician Shin Tae-yong. However, his stint ended shortly after the team’s elimination from the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
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