Ma'ruf Amin Supports Erick Thohir to Become PSSI Chairman in Memory of Today, January 26, 2023

JAKARTA - Today's memory, three years ago, January 26, 2023, the Vice President of Indonesia, Ma'ruf Amin supported Erick Thohir's candidacy to become the General Chairman (Ketum) of the PSSI. The support was given because Ma'ruf wanted to see Indonesian football progress.

Previously, Erick's presence in the PSSI candidate exchange was a polemic. On one side Erick is supported. On the other side Erick is considered to have the potential to violate the rules of officials of the rank of deputy minister. Moreover, Erick has a great chance to be the Minister of SOEs as well as the PSSI Chairman.

The issue of double posts of state officials at the level of ministers in the era of the Joko Widodo (Jokowi) government often invites polemics. This condition is because Law Number 39 of 2008 concerning the Ministry of State clearly prohibits it.

Whoever has a double position can be dismissed by the president. The narrative is increasingly emerging when Erick Thohir, who is the Minister of SOEs, wants to taste the position of the Chairman of the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI).

Erick Thohir's presence in the PSSI candidate exchange was indeed welcomed. Many people think that Erick can bring fresh air to the world of Indonesian football. This condition is because of Erick Thohir's experience who once managed the Italian giant club, Inter Milan.

Not to mention Erick's name as a figure who is often desired by all Indonesian people to lead PSSI. This view is evidenced by the presence of various footprints of people who support Erick in the first position. However, there are not a few who are against Erick's nomination.

"Out of 13 name choices, as many as 17.6 percent of respondents chose Erick Thohir to become PSSI chairman, the highest compared to others," said Polling Institute researcher Muhamad Akib as quoted by the Republika website, November 23, 2022.

Most consider Erick to have the potential to violate Law 39 of 2008. Even though the Extraordinary Congress (KLB) of the PSSI only took place on February 16, 2023. Many consider Erick's leadership at the Ministry of SOEs to be not very impressive.

Andilnya nanti kala rangkap jabatan membuat perannya sebagai Menteri BUMN tak maksimal. Namun, Erick punya jawabannya sendiri. Ia menganggap pencalonannya tak melanggar aturan rangkap jabatan. Kondisi itu karena jabatan dalam bidang olahraga berbeda dengan bidang politik.

Erick also revealed that President Jokowi did not mind his nomination. In fact, Erick received the blessing of the Vice President, Ma'ruf Amin on January 26, 2023. He considered the support not as part of the government's intervention into PSSI.

Ma'ruf considers Erick's presence as a form of support so that Indonesian football can progress. He does not want the Indonesian national team to lose. Erick's presence is also considered a savior. Erick is seen as able to bring world-class coaches to Indonesia so that the achievements of Indonesian football can improve.

Ma'ruf also considered Erick did not violate the rule of double office. This condition is because Erick Thohir's candidacy has the blessing of President Jokowi himself.

"There is no ban, there is no problem and also can get permission from his boss, from the President. So he has to not violate FIFA rules, not violate PSSI rules and must get permission from the president. As long as nothing is violated, I guess there is no problem. "

"So that our football doesn't continue to progress, keep losing, so what is wrong? All the great coaches were brought in, but are Indonesians really not capable? I'm not sure," said Ma'ruf as quoted by lamankompas.com, January 26, 2023.