PSSI Referee Committee Chairman Yoshimi Ogawa has revealed the major challenges facing referees in Indonesia, including netizen attacks on their families via social media. He stressed the need to protect referees from excessive pressure while maintaining refereeing quality standards. The statement comes amid evaluations of national referee performance.
Yoshimi Ogawa, the Japanese chairman of PSSI's Referee Committee, shared insights into the under-the-radar world of refereeing in Indonesia. Speaking to media at GBK Arena in Senayan, Central Jakarta, on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, he addressed the extraordinary pressures referees face beyond on-field criticism.
Ogawa explained that PSSI enforces strict evaluation mechanisms for referees, covering promotions, degradations, and temporary rests due to performance. However, not all process details are made public to safeguard individuals. "Yes, that's true. But in principle, we don't need to publicize it. If everything is always published, no one would want to be a referee," he said.
He highlighted how social media exacerbates the situation with emotional attacks that cross lines. Criticism now often targets referees' families, which Ogawa deemed unacceptable. "Social media sometimes even attacks referees' families. This happens in the world. Mistakes do occur, and I am very sorry and apologize," he stated. Ogawa asserted, "We also have to protect the referees. Attacking families is clearly inappropriate."
In his view, widespread digital access and low social media ethics pose major modern challenges. Nonetheless, PSSI's Referee Committee remains committed to national quality through layered assessments. "We are very strict on categories, promotions, and degradations of referees. Very strict. But we must also understand that before becoming referees, they are human beings," he added.
This scenario underscores the need for balance between transparency and protection to support quality refereeing in Indonesian football.
