Indra Sjafri Confidently Faces the SEA Games

JAKARTA, KOMPAS – Indra Sjafri has been appointed by the All-Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) to manage the Indonesian U-23 football team for the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand. The coach, who specializes in SEA Games medals, is confident in his ability to meet the high expectations of the PSSI.

The appointment of Indra Sjafri was announced by PSSI on Monday (29/9/2025). Indra, who was relieved of his duties as the coach of the Indonesia U-23 team on February 23, will lead the "Garuda Muda" team for the 2025 SEA Games in December.

"If it is a state duty, it must be carried out with a sense of responsibility and maximum effort. With today's announcement, we are certainly building the first framework (squad)," said Indra in a press release from PSSI.

Indra will select 50 players from the long list provided by PSSI. From these 50 names, 23 players will be chosen to be taken to Thailand in December. The selection will begin during the international break, specifically on Friday (3/10/2025), with 32 players participating.

Indra is confident that his team will achieve success. In the previous edition, held in Cambodia 2023, Indra led Garuda Muda to win the gold medal after defeating Thailand 5-2 in extra time during the final match. On the way to the final, Indonesia also eliminated their arch-rival, Vietnam, with a score of 3-2 in the semifinals.

The achievement at that time was considered historic as it ended 32 years of Indonesia's wait for a gold medal in football at the SEA Games. The last time Indonesia won a gold medal in football was in 1991 in Manila, Philippines. At that time, the Indonesian squad was coached by the renowned coach from the Soviet Union, Anatoli Polosin.

In addition to the gold medal, Indra also won a silver medal at the 2019 edition in the Philippines. At that time, the Garuda Muda also reached the final. However, they were defeated by Vietnam, 0-3, in the gold medal match. Meanwhile, in the 2021 edition in Vietnam, Indonesia was eliminated early in the semifinals. At that time, Garuda Muda was coached by Shin Tae-yong.

Throughout the history of the SEA Games, the Southeast Asian sports festival, Indonesia has only won the gold medal in men's football three times. This collection is far behind that of Thailand (16 golds), Malaysia (6 golds), and Myanmar (5 golds). Indonesia has also never achieved consecutive gold medals. In contrast, Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam have managed to do so.

Indra is optimistic that his team can achieve success once again. The reason is that the current conditions are considered more ideal compared to when he led Garuda Muda to win gold in Cambodia. The main factor is the role of domestic competitions, which now provide more playing time for young players.

"Of the 50 players, on average, almost 32 of them play in League 1 (Super League) and League 2. The quality of the league is now much better than two years ago," said Indra Sjafri, quoted by Kompas.com, Tuesday (30/9/2025).

"I still remember when we were building the national team for the 2023 SEA Games, there were still players we had gathered the day before departure. The players we called up weren't even playing regularly in the league," he said later.

He will also retain at least some players from the Garuda Muda squad coached by Gerald Vanenburg. Their performance in official tournaments, such as the AFF U23 Cup 2025 and the qualification for the U-23 Asian Cup 2026, according to him, serves as additional capital to strengthen the team's foundation. "The players who have already gained experience with five matches in the AFF and three in the AFC. I can assure them of becoming the framework of the team," said Indra.

The Vice Chairman of PSSI, Zainudin Amali, stated that one of the reasons for appointing Indra as the coach for the 2025 SEA Games is his success in leading Indonesia to win the gold medal at the 2023 SEA Games. He hopes that Indra will be able to replicate that significant achievement.

"We hope for support from all parties, especially the supporters, in the team's struggle under the guidance of coach Indra Sjafri. This SEA Games is very different, both in terms of ambiance and atmosphere. The public is also very much hoping for the return of the SEA Games gold medal," he stated.

When asked whether Indra's appointment could mean the dismissal of Vanenburg, Zainudin stated that the coach from the Netherlands would continue to fulfill his duties until the end of his contract. "Gerald is contracted by PSSI; he is the coach of the U-23 national team. So, that remains," he added.