Soccer restructuring: Soccer Association of Indonesia (PSSI) chairman Erick Thohir speaks during the federation’s ordinary congress on June 4, 2025, at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Jakarta. A key outcome of the meeting was an agreement to strengthen coordination between the government, PSSI and regional associations. (JP/JP/Nur Janti)
P
resident Prabowo Subianto has been appointed to the honorary council of the Soccer Association of Indonesia (PSSI), reinforcing cooperation between the government and the nation’s soccer governing body.
The appointment was announced during PSSI’s ordinary congress at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Jakarta on Wednesday, which was attended by at least 90 delegates from clubs and regional associations. The closed-door meeting faced a four-hour delay after PSSI chairman Erick Thohir, who also serves as state owned enterprises minister in Prabowo’s administration, was summoned to the State Palace midway through the congress.
Speaking at a press briefing after the congress, Erick said the President’s involvement would help foster stronger collaboration between PSSI and the government.
“President Prabowo accepted the role as honorary council member. There have been times when PSSI and the government were not on the same page. Now it’s time for us to move in the same direction, without interference or sectoral egos,” Erick said.
He emphasized that the federation cannot progress without government support, which is vital alongside backing from FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
“We need to walk together with the government. As a federation, we rely on public funding. When the national team performs well, people say it’s because of PSSI, but they often forget the government is also behind it,” Erick added.
The congress also agreed to grant greater authority to provincial associations. Their chairpersons, elected through open selection, will now be able to appoint leaders of city and regency associations, giving regions a stronger role in developing soccer nationwide.
