TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Prabowo Subianto has pledged full support for the Indonesian national football team ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, which are set to begin next year, in a bid to improve the Garuda squad’s performance.
“Bapak President said, ‘All programs proposed by PSSI [Football Association of Indonesia] for the national team, especially preparations for 2030 [World Cup], whose qualifiers will begin next year's September, must be properly safeguarded and prepared,’” Minister of Youth and Sports Erick Thohir said on Friday, June 19, at Prabowo's private residence in Hambalang.
According to Thohir, President Prabowo has expressed full support for all national football development programs and is committed to sustaining that support in the long term.
The government's strategic move is expected to strengthen the national team's readiness before it begins its qualification campaign, scheduled to start in September next year.
“Bapak President also said, ‘As the leader of this country, whatever support we can provide for football, I will do it,’” Thohir remarked.
On the same occasion, Indonesia national team coach John Herdman said that President Prabowo shares the same aspiration as millions of Indonesians to see the country compete on the world stage.
Herdman said the President’s ambitious goal reflects his deep passion and commitment to the advancement of Indonesian football.
"I keep saying we have 280 million reasons [to qualify for World Cup] and he's one of them," he said.
Therefore, he stressed that the national team’s primary focus and target at present is to secure qualification for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Herdman also expressed confidence that achieving the goal would have a massive positive impact and permanently transform the course of Indonesian football history.
Moreover, Herdman said he is focused on preparing the Garuda squad for its two upcoming tournaments, the AFF Championship and the FIFA ASEAN tournament.
Read: Why Did Prabowo Summon John Herdman, Erick Thohir to Hambalang?
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
12 Youngest Players in the 2026 World Cup: All Under 19
1 jam lalu
With the top twelve being under 19 years old, the youngest players in the 2026 World Cup inevitably catch the attention of tournament onlookers.
Lionel Messi's Net Worth Hits Billionaire Status
4 jam lalu
At 38 years old, Lionel Messi's net worth has hit a billion-dollar milestone, joining long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo in the billionaire club.
2026 World Cup Top Scorers: Who Leads the Goal Charts So Far
10 jam lalu
Canada's Jonathan David equaled Argentina's Lionel Messi with 3 goals in a 2026 World Cup group match.
Brazil vs. Haiti 2026 World Cup Match Preview
11 jam lalu
Brazil eyes its first victory of the 2026 World Cup against Haiti at Lincoln Financial Field. Read our match preview, team updates, and more.
2026 World Cup: Mexico Edges South Korea as Switzerland Routs Bosnia
12 jam lalu
Mexico held onto its position after beating South Korea, while Switzerland secured its first win by beating Bosnia and Herzegovina.
USA vs Australia World Cup Prediction: When Attack Meets Defense
13 jam lalu
The clash between United States and Australia will take place in the Group D second match in the 2026 World Cup at the Seattle Stadium this Saturday.
World Cup 2026: Canada Seals Historic 6-0 Victory Over Qatar
15 jam lalu
Canada secured its first-ever FIFA World Cup 2026 win with a 6-0 victory over Qatar, as Jonathan David scored a hat-trick.
What Features Are Available on Meta's Special 2026 World Cup Rollout?
1 hari lalu
Meta is introducing a variety of World Cup-inspired features across Threads, Instagram, Facebook, Messenger, and WhatsApp.
Neymar Returns to Brazil Camp After Injury Layoff
1 hari lalu
Neymar has been sidelined since May 2025 after suffering a grade two calf muscle injury in his right leg.
Why Did DR Congo Superfan Michel Kuka Mboladinga Miss the Portugal Match?
1 hari lalu
Michel Mboladinga, famous for his statue-like pose, missed the World Cup match against Portugal but is expected to return for the Uzbekistan game.
