Minister of Youth and Sports Explains the Reasons the Indonesian National Team Has Not Qualified for the 2026 World Cup

Youth and Sports Minister (Menpora) Erick Thohir has responded to President Prabowo Subianto's remarks regarding the Indonesian National Team's failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. According to Erick, this statement does not merely address football, but serves as a reminder of the importance of developing national sports through sustainable, continuous athlete development frameworks.

President Prabowo first expressed this concern during the launch of the Mandatory B50 Biodiesel Program at the KM 57 Rest Area, Karawang Regency, West Java on 9 July. At the event, the President also outlined his hope that Indonesia could compete at a higher standard on the global sports stage, including at the World Cup tournament.

Erick assessed that the President's message demonstrates serious commitment to the progress of Indonesian sports, while also acting as a call for all sporting disciplines to establish more robust, structured athlete development systems.

"Symbolically, what President Prabowo Subianto intended was not only about football. This applies to every sport that carries the image and honour of our nation on the world stage," stated Erick Thohir.

The Sports Minister explained that the President understands international sporting achievements cannot be delivered through rushed, instant programs. A long iterative process, consistent coaching, and sustained budget support are required for athletes to reach competitive world standard.

Erick emphasised that any country's success in international sporting events always begins with national training camps (Pelatnas) that are established and prepared well in advance of competitions.

"The core point is there is no such thing as short-term sports programming. That is essentially what the President was communicating. Thank God he also specifically referenced the Finance Minister, which aligns perfectly with this priority," he added, noting the critical need for budget backing to operate long-term national training camps.

This statement also clarifies why Indonesia still faces barriers to breaking into the highest tiers of world football. According to Erick, building competitive sporting achievement does not only rely on final match results, but on properly maintained, ongoing development systems.

He confirmed this same long-term approach is being applied for athlete preparations across all other international competitions, spanning the SEA Games, Asian Games and Olympic Games.

"You cannot prepare for the 2032 Olympics only starting in 2031, that is impossible. We have the SEA Games next year - there is no way that can work if we don't run training camps this year. The Asian Games is coming this September, training cannot be stopped, it must continue uninterrupted," he stated.

Erick confirmed that the Ministry of Youth and Sports will continue to mandate and support long-term national training programs, to ensure Indonesian athletes have sufficient development time to compete and bring pride to the nation at international competitions.