Nova Arianto Rises Rank, PSSI Still Has Difficulty Finding A Replacement For The Indonesian U-17 National Team Coach

PSSI admits that it is still difficult to determine who will fill the U-17 Indonesian national team coach seat. This situation occurred after the previous coach, Nova Arianto, received a new assignment to handle the U-20 Indonesian national team.

According to the Head of the National Team Agency (BTN), Sumardji, the federation is still conducting the right candidate search process. Even though it's already running, the process is still long because it hasn't narrowed to one of the best names.

In his statement, Sumardji emphasized that a number of candidates had gone through the live interview stage, but PSSI had not found the best.

"Regarding the U-17 (Indonesian) coach, on the recommendations and suggestions from the Director of Technology (PSSI Technical Director), there are several names."

"I have also interviewed several names. I asked one by one about things that are something to make the U-17 Indonesian national team better."

"There is a list of questions that I have used so far to conduct interviews. From my assessment, I still haven't been able to find the best," said Sumardji in Jakarta on Thursday, November 20, 2025.

Nevertheless, Sumardji stated that PSSI still had time to determine the best person before making a final decision regarding the U-17 Indonesian national team coach.

"So, we will do it again, there are still the next few days. Of course we also ask coach Nova to provide recommendations."

"There are several names that we continue to explore. After that, we will conduct another interview, then we will determine," said Sumardji.

According to Sumardji, the recommendation from Nova Arianto is also an important part of the new coach's competition because previously he had succeeded in managing the U-17 Indonesian national team.

"Who will be the coach, I will also not go far asking for a lattice from coach Nova how so far it has been successful."

"Of course, later we will continue to ask the prospective coach so that we are not wrong in finding (a new coach figure)," said Sumardji.

Not only that, Sumardji also opens opportunities for the media to provide input regarding new prospective coaches.

"Like we used to, how do we both decide on Nova's coach to do the U-17 Indonesian national team, this is the same. Media friends can also recommend to coach Alex (PSSI Director)."

"After all, in the end we will interview and we will decide," said Sumardji.