Exclusive, LaNyalla Mahmud Mattalitti Affirms PSSI Chairman Must Have The Courage To Eradicate Football Mafia

Whoever is elected as the general chairman of PSSI, said LaNyalla Mahmud Mattalitti, must have the courage to eradicate the football mafia. (Photo by Savic Rabos, DI Raga VOI)

The number one person in the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) must have the courage to eradicate the football mafia if we want the world of Indonesian football to move forward. This was confirmed by Ir. H. AA LaNyalla Mahmud Mattalitti who has registered himself as a candidate for the General Chair of PSSI for the Extraordinary Congress (KLB).

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The Kanjuruhan tragedy that killed 135 people and injured hundreds of people became the trigger for the PSSI KLB to be held. The desire to evaluate the management of PSSI led by Komjen. Pol (Purn.) Dr. Drs. H. Mochamad Iriawan, SH, MM, MH, alias Iwan Bule is unstoppable. It was finally agreed that the KLB would be held in Jakarta on February 16, 2023.

A number of names have registered to become candidates for General Chair besides LaNyalla Mahmud Mattalitti. The most exciting thing was when BUMN Minister Erick Thohir registered. He was accompanied by Jokowi's youngest son, Kaesang Pangarep and Raffi Ahmad, and dozens of other followers. In addition, there are the names Doni Setiabudi, Arif Putra Wicaksono, and Fary Djemy Francis who also want to fight for the top position in PSSI.

For LaNyalla, who is also the chairman of the Republic of Indonesia Regional Representative Council (DPD), anyone who is later trusted by voters to lead PSSI going forward must have commitment and determination to advance Indonesian football which has stagnated. In terms of achievements, at the regional level alone, Indonesian football is still struggling, especially when it comes to speaking on the World Cup stage. He announced an increase in achievement and an increase in Indonesia's FIFA ranking if he was elected as Chair of the PSSI.

One more crucial matter that was raised by LaNyalla, who served as Deputy Chairperson of PSSI in 2013-2015, and became General Chairperson of PSSI in 2015-2016, is eradicating the football mafia if Indonesian football wants to progress. "And the most important thing is that we have the courage to eradicate the ball mafia. I have already proven that when I was the general chairman of PSSI," he said to Edy Suherli, Savic Rabos, and Rifai from VOI when met him at the official residence recently. What are the preparations ahead of the PSSI KLB, here are the full excerpts.

LaNyalla Mahmud Mattalitti is sure that President Jokowi will not intervene in the PSSI KLB event this time. (Photo by Savic Rabos, DI Raga VOI)

What motivates you to run as a candidate for Chairman of PSSI?

Actually, since 2019 I have wanted to run as a candidate for General Chair of PSSI. But at that time I saw Mr. Iwan Bule coming forward and he was serious about leading PSSI, I resigned. I had a discussion about what programs he would do if he was elected. I saw that the program was pretty good, in the end, I didn't sign up. But now the situation is different, I have one goal, taking care of PSSI doesn't need to talk much, but it takes a lot of work. We must have one belief that Indonesia can win.

Then football clubs must be independent and they are the ones who will revive our football. Don't get caught up in club prices with player prices. So it has to be regulated in such a way that no ball club goes bankrupt.

And most importantly, we must have the courage to eradicate the ball mafia. I have proven that when I was chairman of PSSI first. What steps will I take if I gain trust, before the KLB I will hand it over to the voters and participants of the KLB, there are 7 steps that I will carry out later.

What are the 7 steps?

I've made those 7 steps in a book. First, Technical Development, namely improving the quality of players, coaches, and referees. This will end up the increasing competition. Second, Club Empowerment, clubs must grow to be strong and independent, taking a role in improving the quality of football. Third, the Professional League, a more professional league or competition that is independent, progressive, and competes at the Asian level.

The fourth is the Indonesian National Team, our national football team must be the winner. Fifth, Business Development, there must be money follow quality, business capacity development in all lines of football.

Then the sixth is Financial Stability. There must be rational, stable and growing finances, especially at the club level. And the seventh is the Football Industry. Creating a good ecosystem and making the football industry contribute to the national economy.

How to eradicate the football mafia?

The club must be independent, do not let the club owner cross-ownership with other clubs. If this happens he will raise his own friends. When leading PSSI I remember very well, when there was ISL (Indonesia Super League), PSSI did not interfere. I forbid PSSI to interfere, the league must be independent. PSSI only provides policies, then PT. Liga regulates the course of the competition.

The ball mafia often intervenes by fixing match scores, how do you deal with this?

I have my own way of dealing with this, I can't reveal it here. That has happened before when people said Arema (Malang) would win. At that time the opponent was Persib (Bandung), I was guarding Arema and also Persib. The referee should not intervene and side with one team. At that time I assigned Mr. Jamal Aziz. The referee was quarantined, when he was about to play he appeared. At that time people thought I would win Arema. But in reality, the game is fair play and Persib wins. We have to take care of that.

In recruiting, referees must be clean. This is what I will keep an eye on if elected. I will get rid of the dirty referees, when they repent then we will accept it. Neither side will be let down by the referee. Especially by paying.

Is it true that you are running as a candidate for PSSI Chairman to welcome the U-20 World Cup?

For the U-20 World Cup event, if elected I will prohibit PSSI management from intervening in the committee that has been formed by the Government and PSSI management Mr. Iwan Bule. We'll get involved if asked. If not asked, we will not intervene.

The appearance of Kaesang Pangarep accompanying Erick Thohir when registering as a Candidate for PSSI Chairperson for LaNyalla Mahmud Mattalitti was not part of President Jokowi's intervention. (Photo by Savic Rabos, DI Raga VOI)

What else did you prepare for an outbreak?

My team and I have lobbied the voters. It's only natural that some are still surprised why it's only now. The most important thing for me to look into is the matter of intervention, whether there was government intervention in this outbreak or not. Don't let me go forward, then be told to step down because of intervention. But after I coordinated with the Menpora, he said there was no palace in this KLB. The Menpora even encouraged me to come forward. Bismillah I'm moving forward.

When I met President Jokowi at a UN award event some time ago I spoke with him. I asked for his blessing to advance to the PSSI KLB, and he nodded. At the same time, I have conveyed this matter to the Minister of State Secretary. So I'm sure there is no intervention from the palace in this PSSI KLB. Finally, I registered as a candidate for Chairman of PSSI.

When Erick Thohir registered, Kaesang Pangarep accompanied him. Isn't that a signal that the palace supports one of the candidates?

I see that in a positive light, not a negative one. This means that it is only natural that the President's son (Kaesang) accompany Mr. Erick Thohir to register. First, when he got married yesterday, Mr. Erick helped a lot, so it's only natural that Kaesang now accompanies him. But not necessarily it is a form of palace intervention. Secondly, Kaesang has a club; Exactly. So it's still reasonable. What I mean by intervention is when it reaches the voters and they are indoctrinated to choose one of the candidates. If this happens I'm sure Indonesian football will not develop. Voters are not given the freedom to choose. If my opponent is truly better, then please.

Hopefully in this KLB, Allah will give guidance to all voters to choose who is right and appropriate as the general chairman of PSSI.

It's no secret that in today's era, voters are lured by money, what is your attitude on this matter?

We shouldn't be suspicious, it's normal for green people to see the money. Consider it as alms if there is a candidate who gives money. When voting, may Allah move the conscience of the voters because they want to see Indonesian football progress. When you vote, it's not because you get the alms.

So far how much support have you had?

Regarding support, I can't explain it one by one. I'm sure the voters will give more and more support, especially without the government's interference. And I'm sure President Jokowi will not intervene in this PSSI KLB. Also from Mr. Menpora Zainudin Amali, even though he was registered as a candidate for Vice Chairman of PSSI.

In your own opinion, how does a Menpora actually register to become a candidate for General Chair of PSSI, which is one of the sports branch organizations?

For me, it's only natural that voters nominate Mr. Menpora, but the question is whether administrators in other sports branches can accept it, because Menpora coaches all sports branches, it turns out to be a candidate for Vice Chairman of PSSI.

Apart from Erick Thohir, there are other candidates who have registered; Doni Setiabudi, Arif Putra Wicaksono, and Fary Djemy Francis. How do you see them?

For me it's all good, all good, please just go ahead. We as humans have the right to be elected and it depends on the voters. I'm sure the voters will see the track record of these PSSI Chairman candidates.

There are many problems faced by PSSI, if you are elected, what are the priorities to work on?

What is certain is that my priority is to improve this federation house (PSSI). Starting from the administrative order and its people. I will really make corrections, as I did in 2013 – 2015. I will clean it up, don't let incompetent people enter the management of PSSI. In the past, I received PSSI employees with a psychological test, to find out whether the person concerned could carry out the task or not.

PSSI is like a granary, many people come to seek fortune, how do you deal with this?

The important thing is not to make it difficult for the club. I've heard that there are people who just have to pay to decide on a place, and clubs looking for referees or coaches also have to pay. Something like this can't exist. I will return as I led in 2013. At that time I was able to bring the junior national team to win the AFF event.

What is your target if elected?

In 2023 we must win the SEA Games, in 2024-2025 we must win the AFF. In the World Cup, I targeted to enter the second round.

With the potential of existing players, are you confident?

Meanwhile, I'm still sure. In my opinion, football cannot be separated from the spiritual world. There has to be a heart-to-heart approach to the players. And PSSI should not intervene in coaches. I will give freedom to the coach to do something. When I became chairman of PSSI, that's what I did, and thank God the results came.

So far, if we fail in a tournament, the coach is blamed, what is your opinion on this?

If the coach fails, it's natural to be corrected. And I emphasize again that football must have a spiritual touch. All lines cannot be separated from prayer. In the past, during matches I was rarely on the field, what I did in my room was praying so that Indonesia could win.

If elected, is there a target to increase Indonesia's FIFA rating (as of 22 Dec 151), at what figure do you set it?

In the past, when leading PSSI, our FIFA rating went from 172 to 151. In the future, the ranking must go up to 140's.

For National Team coach Shin Tae Yong, what will you decide if you are selected?

For this matter I can't make a decision myself, I will listen to the management's input. If they still think Shin Tae Yong is still the best, please continue. Vice versa. I'll listen to the caretaker's voice.

Regarding the naturalization of players, there are still pros and cons, do you still think it's necessary?

In 2013 when I was in charge, there were no naturalized players, because I value players who have trained. And I have one belief that there are many potential and good children of the nation. But I don't rule out the possibility that there are players who want to be naturalized. It means not to look for it, if they come we will accept it. I hope that every club can train young players. The Provincial Association (Asprov) must be involved in implementing the league. Each Asprov must also provide coaching to early-age players.

LaNyalla Mahmud Mattalitti's Evening Exercise and Collection Of Keris

Evening exercise is one of the keys to health for LaNyalla Mahmud Mattalitti so that he can carry out intense activities. (Photo by Savic Rabos, DI Raga VOI)

Every day Ir. H. AA. LaNyalla Mahmud Mattalitti spends his time doing various activities. Starting from his duties as Chairman of the Republic of Indonesia Regional Representative Council (DPD), professional organizations, and community organizations. All done happily while asking the Creator for strength. One of his healthy tips, even though he is busy, he never gives up night sports.

LaNyalla is always grateful for the health he feels even though his busy life is almost non-stop. "Yes, thank God I have always been given health by the Almighty," said the man who was born in Jakarta, on May 10, 1959.

It turns out that one of his healthy tips is to never forget to exercise at night. "What is certain is that I always do exercise at night. When you hear about night sports, don't have a negative connotation, okay, hehehe," he said, accompanied by his distinctive laugh.

The night sport referred to by this bald-headed man is the midnight prayer, which is a sunnah prayer performed in the middle of the night when almost everyone is falling asleep. It was then that he performed worship that was included in the sunnah category.

For LaNyalla, the movement of prayer, which is standing, bowing, prostrating many times, is no different from movement activities in sports in general. The only difference is that what he does is not just movement activity, but is accompanied by a prayer to the Supreme Creator, the ruler of nature and its contents. "I consider the many cycles of prayer as a sport, especially mental exercise," said LaNyalla, who continues to be active even though the pandemic hit some time ago.

But that's not all he does to maintain health, he also consumes vitamins and minerals that the body needs. One more thing, which is his grip, is that all diseases originate from thoughts and food. “If the food we consume is not clean, it will become a disease. If you always think dirty it will also cause disease,” said the man who has a hobby of traveling around Indonesia visiting the community while absorbing aspirations.

For LaNyalla, who has led the East Java Chamber of Commerce and Industry, East Java Pemuda Pancasila, KONI, and now the Chairman of the DPD RI, these various activities can be passed with good time management. "I was busy at the DPD RI, until now I am still chairman of the East Java Pemuda Pancasila, then I was once the Chair of the East Java Chamber of Commerce and Industry. And until now still listed as KONI administrators. It all depends on us managing time and delegating authority to subordinates," he said.

Collection Of Keris

Since attending high school, LaNyalla Mahmud Mattalitti has been collecting keris until now. (Photo by Savic Rabos, DI Raga VOI)

Since attending high school, LaNyalla Mahmud Mattalitti has started collecting keris. Until now, this habit has been maintained. Currently, he has a good collection of nearly 3,000 types of keris from various regions. “When I was in high school, my grandfather gave me a keris and a badik. Then my collection of keris increased when I was a student until now," he said.

From the beginning, it was just for collection, but he also learned about the ins and outs of keris. "I admire and believe that the keris is an excellent art and culture from our nation's ancestors," he said.

Beautiful and good keris, said LaNyalla, were made by qualified masters. “Indeed there are those who think the keris has a mystical charge. But I didn't pursue it. I only believe that God created iron to have many uses, namely to uphold the truth and help each other,” he said, adding that the keris used to be held by kings, rulers, and other important people.

Since collecting keris in 1985, it's hard to believe that there are almost 3,000 of them. "I keep it in Surabaya for the troop class of keris and in Jakarta for the general category of keris. I have already given some to my friends," he said.

Family

Even though he is busy with various activities, LaNyalla Mahmud Mattalitti still pays attention to his family. (Photo by Savic Rabos, DI Raga VOI)

Realizing that much of his time is spent on the people, when he has the opportunity to be in Jakarta he makes good use of it to gather with his family. "When I'm in Jakarta, I sleep with my wife and children, it just so happens that my children are still young," said LaNyalla, who really enjoys being with his children.

What makes him proud, his wife and children understand that he is indeed busy and spends a lot of time on people, organizations, and other activities. "My wife and children understand very well that I am busy taking care of many things. But if I have free time, I really maximize it for my family," he said.

His family provides full support for the activities carried out by LaNyalla Mahmud Mattalitti who always travels around Indonesia absorbing people's aspirations. Including his steps in going forward in the competition for the number one seat in PSSI through this KLB event this time.

"When I met President Jokowi at a UN award event some time ago I spoke with him. I asked for his blessing to advance to the PSSI KLB, and he nodded. At the same time, I have conveyed this matter to the Minister of State Secretary. So I'm sure there is no intervention from the palace in this PSSI KLB. Finally, I registered as a candidate for Chairman of PSSI."

LaNyalla Mahmud Mattalitti