Can a SEA Games Gold Medal Truly Compensate for World Cup Disappointment for Indonesian Football?

Jakarta – Indonesia’s failure to secure a coveted spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup has cast a long shadow over the nation’s footballing aspirations. As the dust settles on the qualification campaign, officials are now turning their attention to the upcoming 2025 Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) in Thailand, hoping a successful showing in the regional tournament can offer some solace to disappointed fans.

Sumardji, a prominent member of the Executive Committee (Exco) of the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) and also the Head of the National Teams Agency (BTN), has publicly stated the importance of retaining the SEA Games gold medal as a crucial step in restoring national pride. The Indonesian U-23 national team is currently undergoing intensive preparations for the competition, which is scheduled to take place in Thailand in December 2025.

Indonesia secured a historic gold medal at the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia, ending a 32-year drought in the competition. Under the guidance of coach Indra Sjafri, the team delivered a series of impressive performances, culminating in a memorable victory. Now, the focus is on replicating that success and proving that Indonesian football is still a force to be reckoned with in the region.

"When the nation calls upon you, your duty is to perform at your best and dedicate everything to this country," Sumardji emphasized. "Our aspirations to qualify for the World Cup did not materialize, so the only remedy, I repeat, the only remedy is for us to successfully defend our SEA Games gold medal."

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However, the pursuit of SEA Games glory is taking place against a backdrop of growing discontent among Indonesian football supporters. Recently, a group of Ultras Garuda, a prominent supporters group, staged a demonstration at the Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) Arena, where the PSSI headquarters are located. The protesters voiced their frustration and disappointment with the leadership of PSSI, particularly criticizing Erick Thohir’s administration for what they perceive as a reckless decision to replace Shin Tae-yong with Patrick Kluivert as head coach.

This controversial coaching change has further fueled the debate about the direction of Indonesian football. While the PSSI leadership aims to achieve short-term success at the SEA Games, many fans are questioning whether this regional triumph can truly address the underlying issues and long-term goals of the national team program, specifically the failure to qualify for major international tournaments such as the World Cup.

The task facing Indra Sjafri and the U-23 team is undoubtedly challenging. The SEA Games football competition is known for its intense rivalries and unpredictable nature. The pressure to perform will be immense, especially considering the high expectations set by the previous gold medal victory and the disappointment surrounding the World Cup qualification campaign.

A closer look at the SEA Games landscape reveals the strength of the competition. Thailand, as the host nation, will be determined to reclaim the gold medal they lost in 2023. Vietnam, another regional powerhouse, has consistently performed well in recent years and will be a formidable opponent. Malaysia, Singapore, and other Southeast Asian nations are also investing heavily in their youth development programs and will be eager to challenge for the top spot.

Furthermore, the SEA Games football tournament often features a mix of U-23 players and senior players, adding another layer of complexity to team selection and strategy. Coaches must carefully balance the need to provide opportunities for young talents with the experience and leadership of seasoned veterans.

The Indonesian U-23 team’s preparation for the 2025 SEA Games will involve a series of training camps, friendly matches, and international tournaments. The coaching staff will be focused on identifying and developing the best players, building team chemistry, and refining tactical strategies. Key players from the 2023 gold medal-winning squad are expected to form the core of the team, but there will also be opportunities for new talents to emerge and prove their worth.

The success of the Indonesian team will depend on several factors, including the fitness and form of key players, the ability to adapt to different playing styles and opponents, and the mental fortitude to handle the pressure of playing in a high-stakes tournament. The coaching staff will also need to make strategic decisions regarding team selection, tactics, and substitutions.

Beyond the immediate goal of winning the SEA Games gold medal, the PSSI leadership is also emphasizing the importance of using the tournament as a platform to develop young players and build a strong foundation for the future of Indonesian football. The aim is to create a pipeline of talented players who can eventually represent the senior national team and compete at the highest level.

However, the recent protests by Ultras Garuda highlight the deep-seated concerns among fans about the overall direction of Indonesian football. The decision to replace Shin Tae-yong, who had gained popularity and achieved some success with the national team, with Patrick Kluivert, a relatively unknown figure in Southeast Asian football, has been met with widespread criticism.

Shin Tae-yong’s departure has raised questions about the PSSI’s long-term vision and its commitment to building a consistent and competitive national team program. Many fans believe that the frequent changes in coaching staff have hindered the development of the national team and prevented it from reaching its full potential.

The appointment of Patrick Kluivert has also sparked concerns about the PSSI’s decision-making process and its priorities. Some critics argue that the PSSI is prioritizing short-term gains and commercial interests over the long-term development of the national team.

The controversy surrounding the coaching change has overshadowed the preparations for the SEA Games and has created a sense of uncertainty and unease among fans. Many are questioning whether the SEA Games gold medal, even if achieved, can truly compensate for the disappointment and frustration caused by the World Cup failure and the perceived mismanagement of the national team program.

The challenge for PSSI is to address the concerns of the fans, restore their trust, and demonstrate a clear commitment to building a sustainable and successful national team program. This will require a comprehensive approach that includes investing in youth development, improving coaching education, strengthening the domestic league, and fostering a culture of professionalism and transparency.

Ultimately, the success of Indonesian football will depend on the collective efforts of players, coaches, officials, and fans. Only by working together towards a common goal can Indonesia hope to achieve its aspirations of becoming a major force in Asian football and qualifying for the FIFA World Cup. The 2025 SEA Games presents an opportunity to demonstrate the potential of Indonesian football, but it is only one step on a long and challenging journey. The true measure of success will be the ability to build a lasting legacy and achieve consistent results on the international stage.

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Ahmad Zein Salamo: Ahmad Zein Salamo is a dedicated football journalist at Sports News Break, covering the global game with a sharp eye for detail and passion for storytelling. With years of experience following Europe’s top leagues and international tournaments, he delivers insightful analysis, match previews, and breaking news with journalistic integrity and depth.

His reporting combines tactical understanding with a human perspective, highlighting not only the drama on the pitch but also the stories that shape the sport beyond it. From Champions League nights to grassroots football, Ahmad’s work reflects a true love for the beautiful game and a commitment to bringing readers closer to the action.