PSSI has narrowed the search for a new coach for the Indonesia national team to two strong candidates following interviews in Europe. The official announcement is scheduled after the 2025 Thailand SEA Games, with the main target being qualification for the 2030 World Cup. The federation emphasizes selecting a competent coach to avoid past mistakes.
PSSI has begun narrowing down the search for a new coach for the Indonesia national team following a series of interviews conducted in Europe. Exco member Sumardji confirmed that out of five invited candidates, only four attended, and now two strong candidates remain. The process involved two Exco members, Muhammad and Endri Erawan, accompanied by PSSI Technical Director Alexander Zwiers and Technical Advisor Jordi Cruyff.
"For the interview process, we asked Mr. Endri and Mr. Muhammad to go to Europe. They, along with Mr. Alex and Mr. Jordi, conducted direct interviews," Sumardji said on Tuesday evening (16/12). The interviews lasted 2 to 2.5 hours per candidate, similar to the selection of Shin Tae-yong in 2020.
The final discussion will be brought to the Exco meeting after the 2025 Thailand SEA Games concludes, as PSSI General Chairman Erick Thohir is currently focused on supporting the Indonesian contingent at the event. Endri Erawan added that the new coach must be competent and fully committed, with the target of qualifying for the 2030 World Cup. "The target from the Chairman is clear; we want to strive to qualify for the 2030 World Cup. Therefore, the chosen coach must be truly competent, experienced, and ready," Endri emphasized.
This selection background arises after the national team's failure under Patrick Kluivert, who was sacked on October 16, 2025, following the failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. PSSI has also paid compensation to Shin Tae-yong (terminated January 6, 2025) and Indra Sjafri (dismissed after the 2025 SEA Games, where the U-22 team failed in the group stage). The federation is determined not to repeat mistakes by choosing a coach without full commitment.
