After Kluivert's Departure From Indonesian National Team, Key Meeting for New Coach Held Today

The hot seat of the Indonesian National Team coach is once again the main topic in the country's football scene. Following the official departure of Patrick Kluivert, public attention is now focused on who will replace the Dutch coach.

Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, Taufik Hidayat, stated that a meeting to discuss the new coaching candidate will be held soon.

"Not yet (announced the new coach). Tomorrow (today) we are just about to have a meeting," said Taufik at the Presidential Palace Complex in Jakarta, Monday, October 20, 2025.

Taufik added that communication between the Ministry of Youth and Sports (Kemenpora) and PSSI is ongoing to ensure a thorough selection process.

"Well, the chairman is also the Minister," he said, referring to Erick Thohir who holds the dual positions of Minister of Youth and Sports and Chairman of PSSI.

The End of the Patrick Kluivert Era

The termination of cooperation with Patrick Kluivert and his Dutch coaching staff was indeed announced by PSSI several days ago.

"The Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) and the Indonesian National Team Coaching Staff officially agree to an early termination of cooperation through a mutual termination mechanism," wrote the official PSSI website on Thursday, October 16, 2025.

"This agreement was signed between PSSI and the Parties in the Coaching Staff who were previously bound by a two-year cooperation contract," continued the statement.

Under Kluivert's guidance, the senior national team was assisted by his fellow countrymen like Alex Pastoor and Denny Landzaat. Unfortunately, this Dutch duo failed to meet the high public expectations.

Consecutive Defeats and the End of the Journey

Kluivert's fate began hanging by a thread after Indonesia lost 0–1 to Iraq in the fourth round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

This defeat added to the poor record following the Garuda's earlier 2–3 loss to Saudi Arabia in their first match.

These two consecutive losses plunged Indonesia to the bottom of Group B standings, effectively eliminating them from contention for the world's most prestigious quadrennial event.

Looking Towards a New Chapter

Now, after Kluivert and his staff have packed their bags, the public awaits who will take the new command on the sidelines. The meeting held today is expected to bring a new direction for the Garuda National Team.

Although no names have been leaked, news around Senayan suggests several local and foreign candidates are on the radar. However, the final decision remains in the hands of Erick Thohir and the PSSI leadership.

Whatever the outcome, one thing is certain: the public awaits a figure who can not only bring fresh tactics but also reignite the fighting spirit of the Red and White Team, which is currently hungry for achievements. (Antara)