Nova Arianto will not accompany John Herdman to focus on handling the Indonesian U-20 National Team

JAKARTA - Nova Arianto is confirmed not to accompany the new coach of the Indonesian National Team, John Herdman. Nova will focus on his duties as coach of the Indonesian U-20 National Team.

This was confirmed by PSSI Executive Committee (Exco) member and National Team Body (BTN) Chairman Sumardji. He said that Nova was confirmed not to fill the slot for local assistant coach because he had already received full confidence to coach the Indonesian U-20 National Team.

"Nova Arianto has been plotted as a coach for the Indonesian U-20 National Team. Because, he has a pretty big responsibility. The agenda of the U-20 is that there will be a lot in the future so he focuses more on that direction," said Sumardji in a statement quoted Thursday, January 8, 2026.

Previously, it was confirmed that John Herdman would serve in the Indonesian National Team with the assistance of a local assistant coach. However, for this, Nova is confirmed not to be on the list even though previously this name was successful as an assistant to the Garuda Squad under head coach Shin Tae-yong.

When asked about other local coaches, including those currently working in the Super League to the Championship, Sumardji emphasized that PSSI was open.

However, Sumardji emphasized that the final decision still rests with John Herdman. PSSI will only provide a number of recommendations, while the determination of the figure chosen is entirely the responsibility of the head coach.

"Yes, I just said that it's not just the two of them, there are many of us. I also received input from some friends who already have licenses in coaching, yes, that's what we will say. Later, let's come back, let John choose who he wants to choose," he said.

Sumardji said his party wanted to implement a new pattern in the Indonesian national team coaching team. PSSI avoided the experience in the era of Patrick Kluivert being repeated, when the entire coaching staff was filled with foreign coaches, namely Alex Pastoor, Denny Landzaat, and Gerald Vanenburg.

"So, we are trying to make something different. We are trying to train friends who are currently in each club, whether it's in League 2, or maybe in League 1, also as assistants. They all have the opportunity to accompany John," he said.