During an interview at President Prabowo Subianto's private residence after a luncheon with the PSSI team, here on Friday, he informed that the government has announced assistance of around Rp200 billion (about US$12.2 million) per year to support Indonesian football.
"The government has supported national football with almost Rp200 billion (US$12.2 million) per year. So, that is an extraordinary number," he said.
This is the largest sum provided by the government so far, he informed. "I think during this administration, it was the largest," he added.
In response to a journalist's question regarding the possibility of a special gift from President Prabowo if the PSSI wins or qualifies for the 2026 World Cup, he informed that the support of Rp200 billion reflects the government's appreciation for the team.
With this support, the national team need not expect additional assistance for their achievements, he added.
President Prabowo hosted all national team players, coaches, assistant coaches, and officials to a lunch at his private residence at Kertanegara on Friday.
The luncheon was meant to convey his appreciation for the national team players who beat China 1-0 on Thursday.
During the lunch, the president was accompanied by Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi, Pertamina president director Simon Aloysius Mantiri, and PSSI chair Thohir.
With the win against China, Indonesia is now fourth in Group C standings with 12 points. It has qualified for round four of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers in the Asian zone.
Indonesia ranks below Japan, which has qualified for the 2026 World Cup with 20 points, Australia with 16 points, and Saudi Arabia with 13 points.
Bahrain and China are in fifth and sixth place with 6 points each. Their chances of qualifying are closed, though there is still one final match left.
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Translator: Fathur Rochman, Genta Tenri Mawangi, Katriana
Editor: Primayanti
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