PSSI expresses deep concern that Justin Hubner and his family have become targets of bullying.

The Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) has issued an official statement of concern after Indonesian national men's football team player Justin Hubner became the target of hate speech and violent threats on social media. These attacks have also spilled over to target Hubner's immediate family, including his wife and infant daughter.

PSSI Secretary General Yunus Nusi stated that attacks against Hubner and his family are completely unjustified. He noted that Hubner has consistently demonstrated full commitment and dedication ever since he began representing the Indonesian national squad.

"This is absolutely deeply distressing. From everything I have observed, Justin gives his entire heart to this country," Yunus Nusi told press personnel in Jakarta on Monday.

Hubner received the hate speech and threats via written direct messages on Instagram on Sunday 9 August. The hostile messages did not only target the 23-year old player, but also explicitly threatened his wife Jennifer Coppen and their young daughter.

For Yunus, Hubner stands out as one of the players who displays unwavering fighting spirit every time he lines up for the Garuda national squad.

"Watch him on the pitch: he throws everything he has into every match, he battles hard across the entire field. It is truly regrettable that there are still people in our community who would abuse him, and go so far as to bully his wife and small child like this," he added.

Yunus Confirms PSSI Accepts Legitimate Criticism

Yunus clarified that PSSI does not object to fair criticism directed at the organisation. However, he stressed that criticism must never escalate into personal attacks against players or coaching staff.

Yunus also appealed to the public to recognise the huge sacrifices made by national team players. Many athletes take the field while playing through injuries, or perform under enormous public pressure, all in pursuit of the best possible results for Indonesia.

As such, he confirmed that personal harassment and threats targeting players and their private families have crossed every reasonable boundary.

Regarding the possibility of pursuing formal legal action over the incident, Yunus stated that no decision has been made at this stage, and PSSI will continue monitoring the situation.

PSSI has once again called on the public to stand behind the Indonesian national team, both during victories and when the squad suffers defeat.

Such public support is critical to preserve the players' mental resilience as they navigate the high pressures of international competition.

"Our concern is that if this hostile pressure continues to mount, eventually these players may decide for various reasons that they can no longer represent this nation," he concluded.