KBRN, Jakarta: The Indonesian football association (PSSI) has completed the selection of a new national team head coach through an independent internal process, with the final decision now awaiting an official announcement following a series of executive committee discussions concluded in late December.

PSSI Deputy Chairman Zainudin Amali made the statement after attending a BRI Super League 2025/2026 match between Persija Jakarta and Bhayangkara Presisi Lampung FC at Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium in Jakarta on Monday, December 29, 2025. 

According to Amali, PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir did not intervene during the selection process. He emphasized that Erick Thohir entrusted the entire process to the PSSI Executive Committee (Exco) and the National Team Agency (BTN).

“The whole process has been completed. Through Exco meetings, the chairman did not interfere. He allowed us to freely discuss matters with the BTN and those assigned to conduct the process,” Amali said on Monday, as quoted by Antara. 

Earlier, Exco member Endri Erawan revealed that he and several other Exco members, including Muhammad, Technical Director Alexander Zwiers, and Technical Advisor Jordi Cruyff, conducted interviews with coaching candidates in Europe.

Amali described the process as a positive example of organizational governance, noting that Erick only led discussions at the final decision-making stage. “The Exco had the freedom to express its views on the head coach candidates. I think this was a very good process,” he added.

Despite the completion of the selection, Amali declined to disclose when the replacement for Patrick Kluivert would be officially announced. He stated that the finalization has been handed over to PSSI Secretary General Yunus Nusi Mardji, while the announcement itself will be made by Erick.

When asked whether the announcement could take place next month, Amali responded briefly, “Ask Mr. Mardji," he said. 

Meanwhile, speculation has emerged in foreign media. Canadian outlet canadiansoccerdaily.com reported that John Herdman has been appointed as the new head coach of Indonesia’s national team. Herdman previously led Canada to qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

The report also claimed that Herdman would receive a monthly salary of USD 40,000, or approximately IDR 670 million, from PSSI. Another Canadian media outlet, Waking The Red, reported that the agreement between PSSI and Herdman would span two years, with an option to extend until 2030.

Responding to the circulating rumors on social media and foreign media reports, Amali declined to comment. “I don’t know. That’s their business. The only official announcement from PSSI will come from the chairman, Erick Thohir,” he said. ***