News analysis
From FIFA suspension to prized partner: Has Indonesia turned its football around?
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Indonesian supporters – including President Prabowo Subianto – cheer on the national team at the FIFA ASEAN Cup final on Oct 5.
PHOTO: INDONESIAN PRESIDENTIAL SECRETARIAT
- Indonesia has improved its football reputation by repairing ties with FIFA and winning the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup, signaling progress despite past administrative and safety issues.
- The national team’s competitiveness is boosted by recruiting overseas players of Indonesian heritage trained in European systems, enhancing skills and match temperament.
- Experts warn that relying on diaspora players is a short-term fix; sustainable success needs better youth development, coaching, and infrastructure within Indonesia’s football system.
AI generated
JAKARTA – For years, Indonesia’s football story was defined by what went wrong: government interference, administrative chaos, repeated regional disappointment and, in 2022, one of the deadliest stadium disasters in the history of the sport.
Today, Indonesia is a regional champion – and football’s world governing body FIFA is talking about bringing even more of its biggest tournaments to the country.