President Prabowo Strengthens Support for Indonesia to Host FIFA ASEAN Tournament and National Team Preparation for World Cup 2030

Press statement by Minister of Youth and Sports Erick Thohir alongside Indonesia national football team coach John Herdman after meeting with President Prabowo Subianto in Hambalang, West Java province, on Friday (06/19). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)

The Government continues to strengthen support for the advancement of national football as part of efforts to improve Indonesia’s sports achievements at the international level.

This commitment was reaffirmed by President Prabowo Subianto at the meeting with Minister of Youth and Sports Erick Thohir and coach of the Indonesia National Team football John Herdman at his private residence in Hambalang, West Java province, Friday (06/19).

After the meeting, Erick stated that he had reported to President Prabowo regarding the development of national football, including Indonesia’s opportunity to become one of the host nations for the FIFA ASEAN tournament, which was scheduled to take place in September–October 2026. He revealed that FIFA has given a positive response to Indonesia’s candidacy as host of the event.

“President Prabowo showed his support. The President will prepare a letter so that we can be selected by FIFA to become the host. So we wait for that, and I was also asked to immediately communicate with all ministries,” said Erick in his statement.

In addition to discussing Indonesia’s opportunity to host FIFA ASEAN tournament, President Prabowo also gave special attention to the development of the Indonesia National Team. Erick said that the President emphasized full support for all programs of the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI), especially in preparing the National Team for the 2030 World Cup Qualifications, which will begin in September next year.

“Coach John was asked about the preparation for the future tournament, including what is needed (for it). The President said that basically all PSSI programs for national team development, especially for the 2030 World Cup qualification rounds, which will start next year in September, must be truly maintained and prepared,” Erick added.

During the occasion, President Prabowo also directly talked with Indonesia National Team coach John Herdman regarding the team’s readiness to face several international agendas in the near future. John expressed his appreciation for the support given by the President and the Government to national football development.

Furthermore, John explained that Indonesia National Team will face several important tournaments, including AFF (ASEAN Football Federation) and FIFA ASEAN tournaments. He mentioned that both events are considered precious opportunities to strengthen team quality, provide experience to players, while also measuring squad readiness toward bigger targets.

“Next is FIFA ASEAN. I get a great opportunity to gather the best from the best to win that tournament, and I think that is important. FIFA ASEAN is a tournament that we must win to show that we are the best in East Asia, and that is an important step that we need to take and we must become the winner,” added John.

Furthermore, John said that the entire coaching staff and players are currently focused on preparing to realize Indonesia’s big target of qualifying for World Cup 2030. According to him, that target becomes the main motivation that continuously drives all team elements to work harder.

“I think the President has great passion for football. He, like every Indonesian person, is the same. I always say that we have 280 million reasons and he is one of them. He is one of those 280 million people who wants us to qualify for 2030. Everything we do, every day when we wake up, we are obsessed with that because it will change everything in our country forever,” John concluded.

President Prabowo’s full support for the hosting of FIFA ASEAN tournament and strengthening of the National Team demonstrates the Government’s determination to make football as one of the instruments of national unity, while also a means to build Indonesia’s pride at the international level. With thorough preparation and support from all stakeholders, Indonesia is now increasingly confident toward the World Cup 2030. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (EST/AW)