Indonesia finalizes a shortlist of four top candidates to lead the national team

After back-to-back losses in the 2026 World Cup qualifying rounds, the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) has formally ended its agreement with coach Patrick Kluivert and is evaluating four notable foreign contenders to take over the reins.

The decision to dismiss the Dutch coach came after Indonesia’s disappointing performance in Group B of the 2026 World Cup Asian qualifiers. Indonesia lost 2-3 to Saudi Arabia and then suffered a 0-1 defeat against Iraq, virtually eliminating their chances of direct qualification for the world’s biggest tournament. Pressure from fans, experts, and local media forced PSSI to act swiftly.

According to Bola, PSSI is currently monitoring four experienced foreign coaches who are working or have worked in the BRI Super League - Indonesia’s top professional league. Among them, Bojan Hodak (Persib Bandung) and Bernardo Tavares (former PSM Makassar coach) are regarded as the leading candidates for the head coach role.

Croatian coach Bojan Hodak is considered the most promising candidate. Since taking over Persib Bandung in July 2023, he has led the team to two consecutive BRI Liga 1 championships. Known for his disciplined coaching style, ability to develop local players, and balanced approach between defense and attack, Hodak is seen as an ideal choice to stabilize and advance the Indonesian national team.

Portuguese strategist Bernardo Tavares is also on PSSI’s radar. Under his leadership, PSM Makassar won the Liga 1 title in the 2022/2023 season, and he was named coach of the year. Tavares is highly regarded for his experience managing various teams in Asia and his quick adaptation to Indonesian football culture. Many experts note his style resembles that of Shin Tae-yong, who laid the foundation for Indonesia’s youth teams.

Additionally, PSSI is considering Mauricio Souza, a Brazilian coach currently leading Persija Jakarta. Souza has served as an assistant at Flamengo and Athletico Paranaense, has experience working with youth players, and is guiding Persija to an impressive performance in the 2025/2026 season. Furthermore, Dutch coach Jean-Paul van Gastel (PSIM Yogyakarta) is mentioned as a potential option due to the significant improvements he has brought to his team.

According to internal sources, PSSI wants a coach who understands Indonesian football well, can integrate naturalized players with local talent, and maintain the sustainable development established by Shin Tae-yong. A PSSI official shared: “We need someone with a long-term vision, not just to win immediate matches but to build a modern Indonesian football identity.”

PSSI is expected to make a final decision before the FIFA window in November, allowing the new coach time to prepare for upcoming matches. With four experienced candidates each bringing different styles, the race for Indonesia’s head coach position promises to be very exciting in the coming days.

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