Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has expressed his full support for the country’s bid to host the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup, Youth and Sports Minister Erick Thohir said after meeting the president at his private residence in Hambalang, West Java, on Friday.
Erick was accompanied by Indonesia national team coach John Herdman during the meeting, where the three discussed the development of Indonesian sports, with a particular focus on improving the country’s football performance on the international stage.
A key topic of discussion was Indonesia’s campaign to host the FIFA ASEAN Cup, which is scheduled to be held in September and October 2026. Erick said he briefed Prabowo on the latest progress of Indonesian football as well as the country’s preparations to submit its candidacy.
According to Erick, FIFA has responded positively to Indonesia’s interest in staging the regional tournament, and the president has pledged to support the bid at the highest level.
“The president supports it. He will prepare an official letter so that we can be selected by FIFA to host the tournament,” Erick told reporters after the meeting.
Beyond the hosting proposal, Prabowo also emphasized the importance of strengthening Indonesia’s national football program as preparations begin for the 2030 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, which is scheduled to start in September next year.
Erick said the president reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting every development program proposed by the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI), particularly those aimed at improving the national team’s competitiveness.
“Coach John Herdman was asked about the team’s preparations going forward and what support would be needed,” Erick said.
He added that Prabowo made clear the government would stand behind PSSI’s long-term plans.
“The president said that all PSSI programs for the development of the national team, especially preparations for 2030, when the World Cup qualifiers begin next September, will receive his full support,” Erick said.
Indonesia views both the FIFA ASEAN Cup hosting bid and the national team’s development as part of a broader effort to raise the country’s profile in international football.
Government officials believe staging a major regional tournament would strengthen Indonesia’s football infrastructure while providing additional momentum for the national team’s preparations ahead of the next World Cup qualifying cycle.
Erick said the president’s backing reflects the government’s determination to elevate Indonesian football through close cooperation between public institutions, PSSI and the national team, with the long-term ambition of competing on the world’s biggest stage.
