Indonesian expert speaks out as PSSI continues to trust foreign coaches

As PSSI is about to reveal the new head coach, an Indonesian specialist calls for opportunities to be given to domestic coaches rather than continuing dependence on foreign tacticians.

According to Indonesian media, PSSI will soon disclose the identity of the national team’s new coach. The person trusted by PSSI is John Herdman, the former coach who led Canada to the 2022 World Cup. His goal is to help Indonesia qualify for the 2030 World Cup in Saudi Arabia.

However, PSSI’s ongoing trust in foreign coaches has sparked much debate. Former FIFA official and veteran football expert Dali Tahir expressed that it is time for PSSI to change its mindset and give local coaches a chance.

“Why do we always have to choose foreign coaches? Indonesia has many skilled coaches with full qualifications. Why doesn’t PSSI dare to trust and give opportunities to local coaches to lead the national team?” Mr. Dali Tahir raised this question.

He also pointed out that during the tenure of foreign coaches like Shin Tae-yong or Patrick Kluivert, local coaches mostly served as assistants or support staff. Meanwhile, Indonesia currently has over 14,000 certified coaches, including 35 holding the AFC Pro license, Asia’s highest coaching qualification.

According to PSSI statistics, the country also has 307 coaches with national A licenses, 768 with B licenses, over 3,800 with C licenses, and nearly 9,500 with D licenses. Nevertheless, most local coaches work in lower divisions, with very few getting opportunities in Liga 1 or the national team.

“This situation is very unfortunate. Without opportunities, how can Indonesian coaches develop and contribute to the country?” emphasized Mr. Dali Tahir.

Public opinion in Indonesia is currently divided, but many believe that trusting local coaches is the sustainable path for the future of national football.