“Indra has a unique ability to handle young players. He doesn’t need much time to build a solid team,” Kusnaeni told reporters in Jakarta on Tuesday.
The Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) officially appointed Sjafri as head coach on Monday. He replaces Gerald Vanenburg, who struggled with limited preparation time ahead of recent tournaments.
Kusnaeni said the decision to rehire Sjafri was logical, given his past success with both U-19 and U-23 national teams. Sjafri also led Indonesia to gold at the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia, ending a 32-year title drought.
That historic win came after Indonesia defeated Thailand 5-2 on penalties in the final. It was the nation's first gold in men’s soccer since the 1991 SEA Games.
“Indra already knows many of the players currently active in the Super League and Liga 2,” Kusnaeni added. “This will help speed up team adaptation and strategy implementation.”
PSSI Vice Chairman Zainuddin Amali said Sjafri’s 2023 success was key to his reappointment.
“We’re ready to be part of the 2025 SEA Games contingent. Coach Indra Sjafri will again lead the U-23 team,” he said.
Accepting the post, Sjafri called it “a national duty.”
“I could have stopped after ending the 32-year wait for gold, but this is about serving the country,” he said.
Indonesia will defend their SEA Games title in December 2025.
ANTARA recorded a historic moment as Indonesia’s national football team claimed gold at the 32nd SEA Games in Cambodia, defeating Thailand 5-2 in a dramatic final at Phnom Penh’s National Olympic Stadium on Tuesday night, May 16, 2023.
The match was marked by chaos — including fistfights, six red cards, and a premature celebration by Indonesia’s players, officials, and coach Indra Sjafri.
It was a hard-fought victory that ended a 32-year title drought for the Garuda Muda.
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Translator: Aloysius L, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Azis Kurmala
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
