The Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) is intensifying its search for a new head coach for the Indonesian National Team. Demonstrating this commitment, PSSI has dispatched its National Team Body (BTN) Chairman, Sumardji, to Europe to personally meet and interview several potential candidates.
Following his European tour, Sumardji will present the outcomes of his interviews with the various coaches to other members of the PSSI Executive Committee (Exco). Deputy Chairman of PSSI, Zainudin Amali, underscored that the final decision regarding the national team’s head coach must be reached through a formal Exco PSSI meeting. This approach marks a distinct departure from previous instances, such as the selection process involving Patrick Kluivert, which was reportedly handled by an individual.
“Mr. Mardji is scheduled to depart for Europe next week. While I’m not privy to the specific names of the coaches, Mr. Sumardji certainly is. The Exco will receive this list, and we will then convene a meeting to proceed in the proper manner,” Amali stated, as quoted by Kompas TV. He further emphasized, “Once Mr. Sumardji provides the nominations, the Exco may invite those candidates or conduct interviews via Zoom. The crucial aspect is that the process must be correct, and the decision must be made by the Exco, not by any single individual. That is my firm wish.”
Previously, rumors circulated regarding five prospective European coaches for the Indonesian National Team: Felix Sanchez, Juan Antonio Pizzi, Jesus Casas, Paulo Bento, and Ange Postecoglou. However, names like Timur Kapadze and Shin Tae-yong are reportedly unlikely to be considered by PSSI, as Amali implicitly indicated that the new coach for the Garuda squad would hail from Europe.
Despite this, some Exco members still express a desire for Shin Tae-yong to return to lead the Indonesian National Team, citing various considerations. “It seems (STY’s name – ed) is not in contention because Mr. Erick (Thohir) has already stated we need to move on. Although some within the Exco still wish for STY for certain reasons, the focus is already shifting towards those five names,” Amali revealed. He added, “For certainty, hopefully, Mr. Sumardji will act swiftly. This depends on him, as he’s only departing next week (for Europe).”
Hallgrimsson Enters the Race
This ongoing search has ignited fresh speculation, with Heimir Hallgrimsson emerging as a potential candidate for the new Indonesian National Team coach. Earlier reports from the Irish media outlet, Irish Examiner, suggested that the current Ireland national team coach, Heimir Hallgrimsson, was keenly interested in taking the helm of the Indonesian squad.
The article highlighted that Hallgrimsson’s interest in Indonesia would materialize if his contract with the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) concludes at the end of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The Icelandic coach’s contract is intrinsically linked to Ireland’s progression in the qualification rounds. “Hallgrimsson’s contract is contingent on the Irish national team’s journey in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. This means his tenure will end if Ireland fails to secure at least one victory in their two remaining matches against Portugal or Hungary,” the Irish Examiner reported.
Currently, Ireland has two critical matches left against Portugal and Hungary. A failure to secure a win in these two fixtures would extinguish their chances of advancing to the playoffs, effectively bringing Hallgrimsson’s term to an end. This precarious situation has fueled speculation about the coach’s future, with Indonesia reportedly among the nations monitoring his contract developments closely.
The same Irish Examiner report indicated that PSSI is likely awaiting the results of Ireland’s matches this month before making any final decisions. Furthermore, the media outlet suggested that PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir is reportedly personally overseeing the new national team coach selection process.
However, the Irish Examiner also cautioned that, as of now, no official discussions have taken place between PSSI and Hallgrimsson. Indonesia’s prospects of securing the 58-year-old coach largely hinge on Ireland’s performance in their upcoming games. Should Ireland fail to qualify for the playoffs, the door to bringing Hallgrimsson to Indonesia could open. Conversely, if he remains with Ireland or receives a new offer in Europe, Indonesia may need to explore other candidates to fill the coaching vacancy.
Heimir Hallgrimsson boasts an impressive coaching resume. He successfully guided Iceland to the 2018 World Cup and previously coached the Jamaican national team before joining the FAI in July 2024. The UEFA Pro-licensed coach also has club coaching experience with Al-Arabi SC in Qatar.
Summary
The Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) is actively searching for a new national team coach, with BTN Chairman Sumardji dispatched to Europe for interviews. The final decision will be collectively made by the PSSI Executive Committee (Exco) in a formal meeting, marking a departure from previous individual selections. While several European coaches like Felix Sanchez and Paulo Bento were previously rumored, Shin Tae-yong is reportedly not in contention as PSSI seeks a new European coach.
Heimir Hallgrimsson has emerged as a potential candidate, with Irish media reporting his interest should his contract with the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) conclude. His current contract is contingent on Ireland’s performance in their upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers; failure to win at least one of their two remaining matches would end his tenure. PSSI is reportedly monitoring these developments, though no official discussions have occurred, making his availability dependent on Ireland’s results. Hallgrimsson has an impressive coaching record, including leading Iceland to the 2018 World Cup.