Football in Southeast Asia has come a long way - from struggling to build achievements to tasting the sweetness of victory on the ASEAN stage.
Among these countries, Indonesia is one of the most interesting examples of how hard work, unyielding spirit, and big dreams can drive big changes, especially through soccer.
Football is not just a sport in Indonesia; it has become part of the national identity, unifying the nation amidst social turmoil and cultural diversity.
According to a survey conducted by Country Cassette, Indonesia is ranked third in the world for soccer enthusiasts after China and Brazil.
The Era Before the Turning Point: Uncertain Tides
Behind the fanaticism of its supporters, Indonesia's soccer journey has not always been smooth. Over the years, the Garuda squad has experienced ups and downs. Indonesia last appeared in the World Cup in 1938 - and to this day, is still working towards a return to the prestigious event.
Various coaches came and went, such as Alfred Riedl, Luis Milla, to Simon McMenemy. But the results have not been able to bring Indonesia out of the shadow of failure. Internal federation issues, lack of early childhood development, and inadequate infrastructure are also obstacles that slow down the progress of the national team.
Turning Point with Shin Tae-yong
New hope emerged when South Korean coach Shin Tae-yong officially handled the Indonesian national team. Under his tutelage, big changes began to appear. The players' physicality was forged harder, the playing style was adapted to modern football standards, and discipline was made the main foundation.
Shin Tae-yong also paid great attention to tactics and mentality, two aspects that had been considered weak in the Garuda squad.
In addition, the inclusion of descent players such as Jordi Amat, Sandy Walsh, Rafael Struick, Justin Hubner, Ivar Jenner, Nathan Tjoe-A-On, Jay Idzes, Calvin Verdonk, Maarten Paes, Thom Haye, Mees Hilgers, Eliano Reijnders, Ragnar Oratmangoen, and Kevin Diks added to the strength of the national team, bringing experience from the world's top leagues into the red and white squad.
A Series of Achievements that Generate Hope
Shin Tae-yong's squad has achieved many notable achievements, including:
- AFF Cup Runner Up 2020
- SEA Games 2021 bronze medal
- AFF U23 Cup Runner Up 2023
- U20 Asian Cup 2023 group phase
- Round of 16 2023 Asian Cup
- U23 Asian Cup 2024 fourth place
- Qualifying for the 2027 Asian Cup
Even so, the road to the top is not without obstacles. The Indonesian national team still faces big challenges. In the 2026 World Cup qualifiers for the Asian zone, the Garuda squad joined Group C with Japan, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and China.
This group is referred to as the “hell group” because the competition is very tight with each other.
However, Indonesia, which was originally not taken into account, made a surprise appearance and became a dark horse. In fact, an important victory over Saudi Arabia with a score of 2-0 opened up a great opportunity to qualify for the 2026 World Cup - a dream that has only been a discourse.
Estafet of Fighting: From Shin Tae-yong to Team Netherlands
In the midst of the euphoria, there was a surprise: Shin Tae-yong officially ended his tenure as national team coach and his struggle was continued by a new Dutch coaching team.
Under the direction of Patrick Kluivert as head coach, supported by Alex Pastoor, Denny Landzaat, Gerald Vanenburg, as well as physical trainer Quentin Jacoba and other technical staff such as Leo Echteld, Chesley ten Oever, and Regi Blinker, the Indonesian national team was determined to continue the great mission towards the 2026 World Cup.
Interestingly, the change in the coaching team that occurred in the midst of an important momentum did not have a major impact on the performance of the Indonesian national team.
The Garuda squad actually managed to record a crucial victory over Bahrain with a score of 1-0. This result is a sign that the foundation that has been built by Shin Tae-yong is starting to be continued positively by the next generation of coaches.
World Cup Dream: Indonesia and the Increasingly Real Hope
Now, the Indonesian national team is on the verge of a great opportunity to make history: qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. After victories over Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, Garuda showed that they are not just another team in Group C.
Their consistent performance in the qualifying rounds is a strong signal that a dream that once seemed distant is now possible.
Even against big teams, Indonesia was able to provide fierce resistance. The players' increasingly solid mental development, coupled with a structured tactical approach from the new coaching team, is a valuable provision to continue the move towards the World Cup.
However, the journey to the biggest stage of soccer in the world is still full of challenges. Maintaining performance stability, strengthening support from the federation and the community, and improving youth development remain key factors.
Now, the dream has transformed into a real determination that can be realized if all elements continue to move together.
Source:
- https://www.bola.net/tim_nasional/tantangan-dan-peluang-timnas-indonesia-lolos-piala-dunia-2026-berat-bukan-berarti-mustahil-42ec98.html
- https://wisata.viva.co.id/sportpedia/8769-tantangan-sepakbola-indonesia-minimnya-infrastruktur-dan-pengembangan-bakat
- https://solusiklik.co.id/peran-pemerintah-dalam-revolusi-sepak-bola-timnas-indonesia/
- https://data.goodstats.id/statistic/indonesia-jadi-negara-dengan-jumlah-penggemar-sepak-bola-terbesar-ke-3-di-dunia-zhi21
- https://www.kompas.com/tren/read/2025/01/06/070000265/sederet-prestasi-dan-rekor-yang-dicetak-shin-tae-yong-bersama-timnas?page=all
