Bogor (The Indonesian News) – President Prabowo Subianto received Youth and Sports Minister Erick Thohir and Indonesian National Football Team coach John Herdman at his residence, the Garuda Yaksa Hermitage in Hambalang, Bogor, West Java, on Friday (June 19).
Amid the global football festivities, the government is paying great attention to the future of national football. During the meeting, Prabowo, together with Erick and Herdman, discussed various strategic steps to prepare the Indonesian National Team to realize the public’s hope of appearing in the World Cup.
“As we know, the quadrennial World Cup festival has been running for over a week now. We had truly hoped our National Team could qualify this year, but unfortunately we are not there yet,” said State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi after the meeting.
According to Pras, the Indonesian public is still enjoying the excitement of the World Cup through various “watch together” events held at various locations across different regions.
He also asked the public to provide support and prayers for the Indonesian National Team so that one day they can compete on the world’s highest football stage.
“If I may leave a message, let all Indonesian people, while enjoying the matches, pray and hope and cultivate the belief that one day the Indonesian National Team must be able to compete in the World Cup,” he said.
Pras explained that Prabowo is deeply concerned with the long-term preparations the National Team must make. He said Prabowo, together with Erick and Herdman, discussed future plans, ranging from squad strengthening to preparations for various international agendas.
“Of course, if we have the desire to qualify for the World Cup, we must prepare ourselves much more thoroughly,” he emphasized.
Pras added that a number of agendas, such as the FIFA Series in 2027, need to be prepared from now on. In addition, improving the domestic competition ecosystem is also an important part of building the foundation of national football.
“Perhaps some events like the FIFA Series that will take place next year also need to be prepared from now. Including, in his capacity as PSSI Chairman, improving our competition climate to produce a great national team, a tough one, full of spirit to realize the dreams of all Indonesian people for the National Team to qualify for the World Cup,” he said.
Meanwhile, Indonesian National Team coach John Herdman said he is very enthusiastic and honored to meet directly with Prabowo. Herdman affirmed his determination to lead Indonesia to appear in the 2030 World Cup.
“Very enthusiastic, it’s an honor for me. We hope to bring this team to the World Cup in 2030. And we will need support from everyone,” he said.
Herdman assessed that Prabowo’s support means a great deal to the Indonesian National Team players.
“I think his leadership and passion for Indonesia are important for our players to know that we have our leader behind us,” he said.
Source: Press Release from the Government Communications Agency (Bakom) of the Republic of Indonesia
