Top Indonesian official issues verdict on Patrick Kluivert's future

Sumardji, Chairman of Indonesia's National Team Coaching Committee, confirmed that the future of coach Patrick Kluivert will be clarified soon.

Recently, Indonesian public opinion has repeatedly called on the national football federation to dismiss coach Kluivert or allow him to resign voluntarily after the team failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup finals. This failure has significantly increased pressure on Kluivert, especially from fans and the media.

Sumardji and several Indonesian national team players just returned to Soekarno-Hatta (Soetta) Airport in Tangerang at noon on October 13, 2025. Notably, Kluivert and his assistants were not part of the group because, according to Sumardji, the Dutch coach had returned to the Netherlands instead of flying back to Jakarta.

Regarding Kluivert's future after the 2026 World Cup qualifiers failure, Sumardji emphasized: “As for Patrick Kluivert, I believe everything will be decided at the Indonesian Football Association’s Executive Committee meeting.”

He also requested that PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir along with Vice Chairmen Zainudin Amali and Ratu Tisha Destria hold an Executive Committee meeting to comprehensively evaluate the Indonesian team’s performance in the Asian fourth round qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. “I will present all information at the PSSI Exco meeting, without hiding anything, including both the positives and negatives,” Sumardji affirmed.

Currently, Kluivert's contract, who replaced Shin Tae Yong earlier this year, remains valid until the end of 2026. Sumardji is the most knowledgeable insider, serving as team manager since 2019, including during the first round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

He stated: “I have been closely involved with the team since October 2023, attending every training camp and session. I will honestly report everything. The final decision rests with the Exco members, and this time I hope they dare to make a decisive and strong choice.”

With these remarks, Sumardji is seen as the key source providing a clear picture of the team’s internal situation, helping the Indonesian Football Association’s Executive Committee base their decision on Kluivert’s future amid growing public pressure.