Sentul, Bogor – Amid the cool mountain air of Palm Hills Golf, a heated discussion unfolds in the ITSMe Podcast studio. Host Raisa Ramadhani sits with senior football observer Haris Pardede—affectionately known as Bung Harpa—to dissect football's power map, from the domestic ambitions of Persib Bandung to mental challenges on the global stage.
Hat-Trick Ambition and Maung Bandung's Business "Masterclass"
Persib Bandung is now more than just a football club; they are an industrial phenomenon. Entering the Super League 2025/2026 season, the ambition to secure three consecutive titles or a hat-trick is the central theme. Bung Harpa assesses that Persib management's moves this season show a different level of aggression.
"In terms of formation, Persib is currently very solid in all lines," opened Bung Harpa. The arrival of three new pillars serves as the main catalyst. Layvin Kurzawa brings European experience to the left side of defense, while Dion Markx provides freshness in the backline, and Sergio Castel is positioned as a predator in the penalty box. However, the sharpest spotlight falls on the arrival of world-class midfielder Thom Haye.
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For Bung Harpa, signing Thom Haye is a business strategy masterclass. "Management cleverly leverages the massive supporter base in West Java. Selling thousands of jerseys with Haye's name isn't just about euphoria; it's about the club's financial stability to navigate a packed schedule domestically and in ACL 2 (AFC Champions League Two)."
Despite having a star-studded squad, real challenges persist. Under pragmatic coach Bojan Hodak, Persib must contend with fitness issues and the demand to quickly adapt to the physical demands of the rugged Liga Indonesia. Moreover, eternal rivals like Persija Jakarta and Borneo FC remain hot on their heels at the top of the standings, ready to pounce if the defending champions slip up even slightly.
Learning from Arsenal's Habitual "Running Out of Gas"
The transition from Persib's local league dominance brings the discussion to the international level, specifically North London. The phenomenon of Arsenal frequently "running out of gas" at crucial moments presents an interesting comparison. Why do teams dominating from the start of the season often get overtaken at the final bend?
Bung Harpa highlights one missing puzzle piece in Mikel Arteta's squad: Winning Mentality.
"Arsenal needs to learn to win in small things," asserted Bung Harpa. He suggests The Gunners shouldn't be overly obsessed with the league title immediately, but instead focus on securing domestic trophies like the Carabao Cup or FA Cup. For him, one trophy in hand is a psychological catalyst that can shatter players' mental barriers.
Besides the mental factor, the lack of a game changer in the frontline is a glaring technical hole. Arsenal is seen as lacking a truly lethal striker like Thierry Henry or a maestro like Dennis Bergkamp. Without a penalty box predator who can score during deadlocks, collective dominance often ends in futility. This serves as a reminder for any team—including Persib—that squad depth must be accompanied by a proven championship mentality.
The Bitter Reality of the U-17 National Team: Naturalization Isn't a Panacea
The discussion then narrowed to the future of domestic football. The recent crushing 0-7 defeat of the Indonesian U-17 National Team by China sounded a loud alarm. While Persib talks about peak performance, this junior defeat speaks of a fragile foundation.
Bung Harpa offered a bold analogy: "Naturalization is like a painkiller. It helps when the team is sick, but it's not a permanent solution."
Reliance on heritage players or naturalization is considered a shortcut that won't solve long-term problems. China proves that serious investment in youth development—taking at least 10 years—is non-negotiable. Indonesia, according to Bung Harpa, must create its own talent pool through regular junior competitions, focusing on basic techniques like ball control, and early discipline in nutrition.
Mental Shields in the Social Media Era
Raisa and Bung Harpa highlighted a frequently overlooked non-technical aspect: mental pressure in the social media era. Young players aged 15-16 are highly vulnerable to online vitriol that can kill their careers before they blossom.
"The National Team needs to involve psychologists as a mental 'shield'," advised Bung Harpa. Defeat at a young age should be a tool for evaluation, not a platform for mass judgment. The goal is clear: so local players have the psychological resilience to compete internationally without always relying on instant solutions.
From the Palm Hills studio, the message was clear: whether it's the hat-trick ambition in the Super League, ending the trophy drought in the Premier League, or building a resilient National Team, it all boils down to three things: squad depth, a winning mentality, and sustainable development foundations.
