How Is Public Trust in PSSI After World Cup Failure? Official Admits

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Head of the National Team Board (BTN) of the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI), Sumardji, admitted that public confidence in the Indonesian national team has waned following its failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. According to him, this condition serves as a challenge that the Garuda squad must answer with positive results in several upcoming international events.

"We know that after we failed to qualify for the World Cup, public trust in the national team has decreased. That is the reality," Sumardji told reporters at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium in Senayan, Jakarta, on Monday, June 1, 2026.

Sumardji stated that the PSSI longs for the massive public backing the Indonesian national team enjoyed in recent years. "To be honest, all of us at PSSI really miss that," the former manager of the Indonesian national team said.

According to him, the two FIFA Matchday matches against Oman on June 5 and Mozambique on June 9, alongside the 2026 AFF Cup, will provide the momentum needed for the national team to restore public trust. The PSSI is aiming for maximum results in these tournaments.

For the FIFA Matchday, Indonesia is expected to secure two victories to improve its standing in the FIFA rankings. "Previously, when we played against Bulgaria, we could not get any points. Of course, we really need to secure maximum points in these two games and improve our ranking," Sumardji said.

Where Does Indonesia Stand in Global Ranking?

Currently, Indonesia sits at 122nd in the world rankings with 1,144.88 points. This position dropped following a 0-1 defeat to Bulgaria in the 2026 FIFA Series.

For the 2026 AFF Cup, the PSSI has set a firm target to win. "Remember, our target is not just for show. We want to win the senior AFF Cup. We yearn for that," Sumardji said.

He hopes that positive results in these two events can revive the enthusiasm of supporters for the Indonesian national team. "We yearn to have fans who really cheer, who come to the stadium, both at GBK and elsewhere," he said.

To prepare for the FIFA Matchday and the AFF Cup, the PSSI will split the players' focus. Most of the diaspora players are projected to strengthen the senior national team for the FIFA Matchday, while local players will be prepared for the AFF Cup.

According to Sumardji, this step is being taken to win back the trust of Indonesian football lovers. "So that in the future, this national team is trusted once again by all fans and the Indonesian community," he said.

During the first training session of the Indonesian national team at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium on Monday, two players had yet to arrive: Joey Pelupessy and Calvin Verdonk. Both are scheduled to land in Jakarta on Monday night and join the next training session. "Alhamdulillah, all the boys are in good condition. They are all happy and ready to face the FIFA Matchday against Oman," Sumardji said.

Read: 'The Longest Wait': Indonesia's World Cup Dream on Big Screen

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