Sumardji Steps Down as Indonesia National Team Manager After 2025 SEA Games Failure

Chairman of the National Team Board (BTN) Sumardji officially decided to resign from his position as manager of the Indonesia national teams across all age groups. This decision was made after his final assignment at the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand ended without any medals, a result that left deep disappointment for the national Football community.

Indonesia arrived at the 2025 SEA Games as defending champions, but the journey of the Garuda Muda (Young Garuda) ended abruptly. The Red and White team failed to reach the semifinals and was eliminated in the group stage. This marked a bitter record as the first failure to advance to the semifinals since the 2009 edition.

At a press conference in Mandiri Tower II, Jakarta, on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, Sumardji announced his decision to step down from his role as team manager for all age levels.

"I will relinquish my duties and responsibilities as manager of the national team, both senior and age groups, including the SEA Games national team manager," stated Sumardji.

He handed over the duties and responsibilities he had carried to the Chairman of PSSI (Football Association of Indonesia).

Although resigning as manager, Sumardji emphasized that he is not leaving PSSI. He will focus his energy and attention on his strategic role as Chairman of BTN.

According to him, this position requires extra focus and work amid a less-than-ideal situation. He stated that both the senior national team and the age-group teams, except U-17, are experiencing issues that indeed require extra work and focus.

Sumardji also did not hide his disappointment over the Garuda Muda team's failure at the 2025 SEA Games, especially since Indonesia was eliminated in the group stage.

As manager, he felt a moral responsibility to the public who had high hopes for this team.

He publicly conveyed his apology to the Indonesian people for the result that fell far short of expectations, including the failure to repeat the Gold Medal achievement like at the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia.

"Once again, I sincerely apologize, and I will strive within the national team board to improve and fix the current situation," he said.

When asked if his decision to resign was also related to the Indonesian senior national team's failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, Sumardji asserted that the step was carefully considered and not taken emotionally.

He added that the responsibility of a national team manager is not only about technical matters on the field but also encompasses many small aspects that have a big impact on long-term performance.