43 Indonesian Referees Pass ASTAF Training, Some Are Assigned to International Events

JAKARTA - A total of 43 sepak takraw referees from 27 provinces were declared to have passed the Asian Sepaktakraw Federation (ASTAF) Referee Training at the State University of Jakarta. A number of graduates will begin to be assigned to international championships, including the agenda on November 28.

The training lasted for four days, 16-19 July 2026. All participants have completed the curriculum and materials set by ASTAF.

ASTAF President and Secretary General of the International Sepaktakraw Federation (ISTAF), Datuk Abdul Halim Kader, assessed the participants' ability to exceed expectations. He highlighted the quality of referees from the productive age group who were deemed ready to lead the match.

"Young referees between the ages of 20 to 50 are so good at their skills. ASTAF gives tasks and responsibilities to referees from Indonesia to serve in championships," said Abdul Halim Kader in a written statement received Monday (20/7).

According to Abdul Hakim Kader, some Indonesian referees will be involved in the championship on November 28. The assignment is an opportunity for graduates to test their ability according to international refereeing standards.

The General Chair of the Indonesian Sepak Takraw Association (PSTI), Sarianto, said that 43 participants had completed all stages of training and obtained certification.

"We have approved 43 referees from 27 provinces. All the curriculum and materials set out in the ASTAF referee training have been completed," he said.

PSTI will expand similar training to a number of provinces. The program is aimed at accelerating regeneration and reducing the gap in the number of qualified referees in the region.

Sarianto said that the graduates of the training are expected to soon lead national and international matches. The presence of certified referees is also needed so that competitions in the region use uniform rules.

"We will open registration for observers in several provinces so that the graduates who are currently there can immediately lead the match, both at the national and international levels," he said.