Don't Disturb the Indonesian National Futsal Team

"Let’s not have coach Hector Souto replaced by Patrick Kluivert." This was a joke made by Indonesian national futsal player, Firman Adriansyah, during the 2026 Futsal Asian Cup. There is a hidden message in that statement. The players, as well as fans of national futsal, hope that Indonesian futsal continues to operate independently as it does now.

The Indonesian national futsal team has written a golden chapter by reaching the final of the 2026 Futsal Asian Cup, proving one thing: sports can develop thanks to a structured development pathway from rented futsal courts in cities to villages, school competitions to campuses, and consistent leagues. It is not built through instant methods that seem politically motivated.

The starting point of Indonesia's futsal achievements began in 2014 when PSSI initiated the establishment of the Indonesian Futsal Association, which later transformed into the Indonesian Futsal Federation (FFI). Under the leadership of Hary Tanoesoedibjo (2014–2024) and continued by Michael Sianipar, the FFI has succeeded in establishing Indonesian futsal as a respected force in ASEAN and increasingly recognized in Asia.

Like football, the FFI began its journey to revolutionize futsal in Indonesia amid the FIFA suspension from 2015 to 2016. Instead of remaining idle due to the inability to compete with other countries, the FFI built a foundation by changing the format and branding of the highest competition to the Pro Futsal League (PFL) in 2016. This replaced the Indonesian Futsal League, which had started in 2006.

After the professional league began to stabilize and provide player regeneration, FFI started to take the formation of the national team more seriously. This began with the ambition to catch up with Thailand and Vietnam, which have proven to be challenging opponents for the "Garuda" squad, both in the AFF Cup and the SEA Games.

To that end, FFI brought in Kensuke Takahashi to manage the national futsal team starting in 2018. Under Takahashi's leadership, Indonesia began to demonstrate significant potential in the competition at the Southeast Asian level. This was evidenced by reaching the final of the AFF Cup 2019.

It cannot be denied that Takahashi is the foundation layer of the Indonesian national futsal team and has set a standard for players to understand their needs in order to compete at the international level.

After working with Takahashi, the "Garuda" squad won the bronze medal at the 2021 SEA Games and became finalists in the 2022 AFF Cup. This achievement was attained under the guidance of Iranian coach Mohammad Hashemzadeh.

Hashemzadeh's men reached the quarterfinals of the 2022 Asian Cup. Indonesia was eliminated after being defeated by Japan 2–3.

Hector Souto, who arrived in 2024 to continue the coaching career of the Indonesian national futsal team, completed the achievements of Takahashi and Hashemzadeh.

In two years, Souto ended Thailand's dominance in ASEAN, specifically at the AFF Cup 2024 and the SEA Games 2025. This year, Indonesia was able to reach the final match of the 2026 Futsal Asian Cup.

In just 10 years, FFI has been able to elevate the status of futsal in Indonesia at the ASEAN and Asian levels. This is an achievement that their predecessor, the National Futsal Agency, which was established in anticipation of the 2002 Futsal Asian Cup until 2014, was unable to accomplish.

Although under the auspices of PSSI, one of which is marked by a single vote at the PSSI Extraordinary Congress, FFI has progressed more rapidly than its "parent." While PSSI is still inactive in ASEAN, FFI has already brought Indonesia to the peak of the Asian stage.

Since his arrival to coach Bintang Timur in the 2021–2022 PFL edition, Souto has witnessed the great potential of futsal in Indonesia. Talented players and passionate supporters are significant assets for the development of futsal in Indonesia.

When entrusted with managing the Indonesian national team starting in 2024, the Spanish tactician immediately set out to elevate the Indonesian futsal national team to the level of Asia and the world. Gradual progress has been demonstrated by Souto and his players, putting the dream of reaching the 2028 Futsal World Cup on the right track.

"Our goal is to take Indonesian futsal beyond borders in international tournaments. Sometimes that effort succeeds, but we continue to learn to improve ourselves. This is the result of our tireless efforts," said Souto about his team's success in defeating Japan 5–3 in the semifinals and advancing to the final of the 2026 Futsal Asian Cup.

Takahashi did not expect that the Indonesian futsal national team had reached a new milestone. He did not anticipate that the Garuda squad's performance had developed significantly.

"I can say that Indonesia is a very strong team. They are stronger than us. We tried to implement tactics, but did not anticipate that Indonesia would play at a level I had never imagined before," said Takahashi.

When asked about the recipe for the rapid development of the Indonesian futsal national team, Takahashi responded, "Indonesia can be very strong due to the support from PSSI and the clubs. Coach Hector (Souto) is also doing very well."

Amid the emerging euphoria, concerns have arisen that PSSI's intervention in FFI could disrupt the current independence of futsal. A meeting between Michael Sianipar and PSSI Secretary General Yunus Nusi in the royal box of the Indonesia Arena during the match against Japan on Thursday (5/2/2026) signals that FFI and PSSI must move forward in tandem.

FFI needs PSSI to continue its development, particularly in grassroots development investment. Additionally, PSSI is a cornerstone of Indonesia's ambition to win the bid to host the 2028 Futsal World Cup.

On the other hand, government support is also beginning to emerge and could serve as a new bargaining point for FFI to gain more attention for futsal. This was demonstrated by the presence of three ministers who witnessed the actions of Ahmad Habiebie and his colleagues at the Indonesia Arena.

Starting with Foreign Minister Sugiono in the qualifying match against Iraq, Thursday (31/1/2026). Then, Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya in two knockout phase matches against Vietnam and Japan.

The Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia, was also present in the telescopic stands of the Indonesia Arena during the semifinals. Bahlil was wearing the jersey of the PFL team, Black Steel Papua.

The culture and development levels of futsal in Indonesia have proven to be suitable for competing in Asia. If we wish to continue elevating the nation's name in Asia and the world, futsal—especially the Indonesian national futsal team—should not be drawn into policies that serve specific interests. This is similar to what has been happening for years in football.