Without A Champion's Title In The 2025 AFF U-23 Cup, Indonesia U-23 Is Still Given A Bonus Of Hundreds Of Million

JAKARTA - The U-23 Indonesian national team had to settle for runner-up status after falling 0-1 from Vietnam U-23 in the 2025 AFF U-23 Cup final. Even without the title, Gerald Vanenburg's troops were still showered with bonuses of hundreds of millions of rupiah.

The bonus was a gift from the Minister of Housing and Settlement Areas of the Republic of Indonesia, Maruarar Sirait.

The man who is familiarly called Ara revealed that the bonus he gave was Rp. 100 million for each Garuda Muda player and Rp. 300 million for each coach.

"Like Mr. President Prabowo always said, excited to get the best. Earlier we talked to my son, Yoshua (Sirait), what if we also keep our attention."

"Although the U-23 Indonesian national team has not succeeded, we give bonuses to each player of 100 million rupiah, and to the coach, one coach gets 300 million rupiah," said Ara after the final match at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, Jakarta, on Tuesday, July 29, 2025.

Regarding the bonus disbursed for the Garuda Muda Squad, Ara, who is also the Chair of the Steering Committee (SC) for the 2025 Presidential Cup pre-season tournament, said that the funds came from his personal pocket.

"Yes, the money is money from my personal. So, I am very proud of what they have achieved. Get back up, yes, we are together, and you are not alone. I support with my heart," said Ara.

PSSI General Chair Erick Thohir positively welcomed the awarding of bonuses for the U-23 Indonesian national team from Maruarar Sirait. Erick also ensured that PSSI would also provide bonuses for Garuda Muda.

"Mr. Ara is part of PSSI. He is the Chairperson of the 2025 Presidential Cup (SC). So, if there are philanthropists who like football, yes, blessings. Yes, there must be (a bonus from PSSI)," said Erick Thohir.