Indonesian Goalkeeper Legend Ronny Pasla Dies at Age 79

Monday, 24 November 2025 | 11:15

Author: Rojes Saragih

The moment Ronny Pasla saved Pele's penalty kick.
Source: Favorite YouTube/TV

Summary

1. Ronny Pasla, former main goalkeeper of Indonesia's national team during the 1970s, passed away in Jakarta at age 79 on Monday (24/11/2025). His body will lie in state at Evangelis Church (Central Jakarta) before burial at TPU Pondok Kelapa on Tuesday (25/11).

2. Regarded among Indonesia's greatest goalkeepers, he played pivotal roles in championship victories at the 1967 Aga Khan Gold Cup, 1969 Merdeka Tournament, and 1972 Singapore Sukan Cup, notably saving a penalty from Pelé during a 1972 match against Santos FC.

3. Beyond his national team service, he played for clubs including Dinamo Medan, PSMS, Persija (winning the 1975 Perserikatan league), and Indonesia Muda. Originally a tennis athlete set to compete for North Sumatra at PON 1965, he later founded Jakarta's Velodrom Tennis School post-retirement.

Jakarta. Indonesian football is in mourning. Former Indonesian national team goalkeeper Ronny Pasla passed away in Jakarta at the age of 79, in the early hours of Monday (24/11/2025) WIB.

Ronny Pasla (sometimes spelled Ronny Paslah), born 15 April 1947, was Indonesia's primary goalkeeper during the 1970s. Having played from the 1960s to the early 1980s, he is remembered as one of the greatest goalkeepers Indonesia ever produced.

According to gathered information, the deceased will lie in repose at the Evangelical Church in Central Jakarta. The funeral procession is scheduled for Tuesday (25/11) at Pondok Kelapa Public Cemetery (TPU), an Antara source confirmed.

Outstanding Achievements with the National Team

Ronny Pasla was the defensive cornerstone for Garuda between the late 1960s and 1970s. His national team career featured numerous proud accomplishments. He played a vital role in Indonesia's triumphs at prestigious tournaments including the 1967 Aga Khan Gold Cup, 1969 Merdeka Tournament, and 1972 Singapore Sukan Cup.

Denying Legend Pelé's Penalty Kick

One of Ronny's most legendary international moments occurred during a 1972 friendly against Brazilian giants Santos. Despite Indonesia's 1-2 loss, Ronny's heroic performance captured global attention. Football audiences worldwide remember him as the goalkeeper who saved a penalty from legend Pelé while making multiple brilliant saves throughout the match.

Club Career and Early Career

At club level, Ronny Pasla defended several prominent teams including Dinamo Medan, PSMS Medan, Persija Jakarta, and Indonesia Muda. His contributions to Persija proved particularly significant, helping the capital club win the 1975 association league championship.

Less known to the public, Ronny began his athletic career in tennis before dedicating himself to football. He was selected to represent North Sumatra Province at the 1965 National Sports Week (PON VII), though the event was canceled due to the G30S incident.

After retiring from football at 40, Ronny returned to tennis by founding Jakarta's Velodrom Tennis School to share his expertise.