Indonesia’s Football Journey: A Look at Recent PSSI Leadership and National Team Coaches

Jakarta – The Indonesian National Team has seen a dynamic period of change in recent years,marked by evolving leadership at the PSSI (Football Association of Indonesia) and the appointment of various coaches tasked with revitalizing the nation’s football program. Here’s a breakdown of the last four PSSI chairmen and the national team coaches they selected:

1. Edy Rahmayadi – Luis Milla (2016)

Taking the helm of PSSI in 2016, Edy Rahmayadi inherited a challenging situation. Indonesia had just emerged from FIFA sanctions stemming from a freeze imposed by the Ministry of Youth and Sports.With the 2018 Asian Games looming large, Rahmayadi turned to Luis Milla, a Spanish coach with a strong pedigree in developing youth talent, having previously coached Spanish national teams at various age levels.

Milla lead indonesia to the Round of 16 at the 2018 Asian Games, a meaningful achievement. During his tenure, the senior national team played eight matches, securing three wins, two draws, and three losses.

2.Joko Driyono – Simon McMenemy (2019)

Joko Driyono’

How did Ratu Tisha Destria’s focus on professionalization and long-term planning differ from previous PSSI General Secretary approaches?

Last Four PSSI Generals and their Selected National Team Coaches

The Football association of Indonesia (PSSI) has seen notable leadership changes in recent decades, each General secretary (often referred to as “General” within Indonesian football circles) impacting the direction of the national team. This article details the last four PSSI Generals and the national team coaches they oversaw, analyzing their tenures and the resulting performance of Timnas Indonesia. We’ll cover key appointments, coaching philosophies, and notable results during each period. This is crucial information for fans of Indonesian football, aspiring coaches, and those following Southeast Asian football advancement.

Ratu Tisha Destria (2019-2023) & Shin Tae-yong

Ratu Tisha Destria marked a new era for PSSI, focusing on professionalization and long-term planning. Her tenure saw a significant investment in youth development programs and a commitment to improving the overall infrastructure of Indonesian football.

* PSSI General: Ratu Tisha Destria

* National Team Coach: Shin tae-yong (Appointed January 2020 – Present)

Shin Tae-yong, a South Korean tactician known for his work with the South Korean national team in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, was tasked with rebuilding Timnas Indonesia. His appointment signaled a shift towards a more structured and disciplined approach to the game.

* Coaching Philosophy: Emphasis on tactical discipline, physical conditioning, and youth integration.Shin Tae-yong favors a possession-based style with speedy transitions.

* Key Achievements (Under Tisha & Shin):

* Reached the semi-finals of the 2020 AFF championship (delayed to December 2021).

* Qualified for the 2024 AFC U-23 Championship.

* Significant improvement in FIFA ranking, though consistent qualification for major tournaments remains a challenge.

* Challenges: Bureaucratic hurdles within PSSI and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic substantially hampered Shin Tae-yong’s initial plans. League disruptions also affected player preparation.

Joko Driyono (2015-2019) & Simon McMenemy/Alfred Riedl (Interim)

joko Driyono’s period was marked by attempts to stabilize Indonesian football following a FIFA suspension (2015-2016). He focused on restoring international credibility and rebuilding the domestic league. This era saw a revolving door of coaches.

* PSSI General: Joko Driyono

* National Team Coaches:

* Alfred Riedl (Interim, 2016-2017) – Primarily focused on the 2016 AFF Championship.

* Simon McMenemy (2018-2019) – Appointed with the aim of long-term development.

* Coaching Approaches:

* Riedl: Experienced in Southeast Asian football, favored a pragmatic and results-oriented approach.

* McMenemy: A British coach aiming to implement a more modern, possession-based style.

* Key Events:

* Indonesia reached the final of the 2016 AFF Championship under Riedl, losing to Thailand.

* McMenemy’s tenure was largely unsuccessful, with poor results in the 2019 AFC Asian Cup qualifying campaign and the 2018 Asian Games.

* Challenges: The shadow of the FIFA suspension and the need to quickly rebuild the national team created significant pressure.

Azwan Karim (2013-2015) & Jacksen F.Tiago/Norbert Wiacker (Interim)

Azwan karim’s tenure was a turbulent period for Indonesian football, culminating in the FIFA suspension. He faced immense pressure to address issues of governance and corruption within PSSI.

* PSSI General: Azwan Karim

* National Team Coaches:

* Jacksen F. Tiago (2013-2014) – A Brazilian coach brought in to revitalize the team.

* Norbert Wiacker (Interim, 2014) – Stepped in briefly following Tiago’s departure.

* Coaching Styles:

* Tiago: Focused on attacking football and individual brilliance.

* Wiacker: A short-term appointment with limited impact.

* Notable Moments:

* Tiago’s initial appointment generated excitement, but results were inconsistent.

* The political turmoil within PSSI overshadowed any on-field progress.

* Challenges: The escalating conflict between PSSI and the Indonesian government led to the FIFA suspension, severely impacting the national team’s development. This period is often cited as a low point for Indonesian football.

George Toisutta (2005-2013) & Benny Dollo/Kurniawan Dwi Yulianto/Nilmaizar (Multiple Changes)

George Toisutta’s long tenure as PSSI General Secretary spanned a period of significant change and