John Herdman and the Minister of Youth and Sports were summoned by the President, discussing the naturalization of the Indonesian national team until the 2026 World Cup fever

BOGOR - Indonesian National Team coach John Herdman and the Minister of Youth and Sports (Menpora) and PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir were summoned by President Prabowo Subianto to Hambalang on Friday, June 19, 2026.

The meeting touched on the Indonesian National Team's preparations for the future. When asked about the DPR's approval of the naturalization of two new players, the Minister of State Secretary, Prasetyo Hadi, hinted that it could be part of the discussion.

"It is definitely possible and includes future plans," he said.

According to Prasetyo, if Indonesia wants to realize the dream of appearing in the World Cup, preparations must be made far in advance. International agendas such as the FIFA Series next year also need to start being prepared from now.

He added that improving the national competition was one of the important tasks to strengthen the foundation of the Indonesian National Team.

"In his capacity as Chairman of the PSSI, of course, improving the climate of our competition to be able to produce a great national team, a strong team, full of enthusiasm to be able to realize all the dreams of the Indonesian people, the Indonesian national team qualified for the World Cup," he said.

In addition to discussing the Indonesian National Team's long-term plans, the meeting also discussed public enthusiasm for the 2026 World Cup.

Prasetyo invited the public to enjoy the 2026 World Cup which is currently underway while continuing to provide support and prayers for the development of national football.

According to him, the hope of seeing Indonesia perform on the world's biggest football stage must continue to be maintained and fought for through sustainable coaching.

The State Palace sees the 2026 World Cup fever not only about football. The proliferation of watching activities together (nobar) in various regions is considered to have also stimulated the community's economy.

Prasetyo, who accompanied President Prabowo Subianto in the meeting, saw that although the Indonesian National Team had not managed to perform at the 2026 World Cup, public enthusiasm for the four-year football party was still high.

"We also monitor in several areas, there are many nobar initiatives carried out by the local government and the private sector," said Prasetyo.

He assessed that the activity had a positive impact because it was able to encourage economic activity at the community level.

"I think this is also something very positive and very good. We hope that it will grow real economic activities in the community," he said.