Jakarta – The Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) has officially announced the full coaching staff supporting new national team head coach John Herdman, ahead of the upcoming FIFA Series 2026. The announcement solidifies the team that will assist Herdman as he embarks on his tenure with the Garuda squad.
The composition of the backroom staff reflects a blend of familiarity and fresh perspectives. Many members have previously worked alongside Herdman during his time with the Canadian national teams, while others bring new expertise to the table.
Indonesia is preparing for a crucial period, with the FIFA Series 2026 serving as a key benchmark. The team will also be looking ahead to the AFF Championship 2026, scheduled to accept place from July 24 to August 26, 2026. The immediate focus is on the match against Saint Kitts and Nevis at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta on March 27th. Three days later, Indonesia will face either the Solomon Islands or Bulgaria in the final match of the FIFA Series.
A strong support system is considered vital for the success of the Indonesian national team. The assembled staff is designed to provide comprehensive support across all facets of the game, aiming to elevate the team’s performance.
Indonesia National Team Coaching Staff – John Herdman Era
Here’s a breakdown of the coaching staff, as released by PSSI:
- Head Coach: John Herdman (England)
- Assistant Attack Coach: Elliott Dickman (England)
- Assistant Defense Coach: Steven Vitoria (Canada)
- Technical Support: Nova Arianto (Indonesia)
- Technical Support: Simon Grayson (England)
- Goalkeeping and Set Piece Coach: Andrej Kostolansky (Slovakia)
- Assistant Goalkeeping Coach: Damian Van Rensburg
- Technical Performance Analyst: Dzikry Lazuardi
- Head of Performance: Cesar Meylan
- Sports Scientist: Valdano Wiriawanputra
- Sports Dietician: Emilia Achmadi
Herdman, who previously led both the Canadian men’s and women’s national teams to World Cup appearances – a unique achievement in international football – brings a wealth of experience to the role. His appointment, confirmed earlier this year, signals a new era for Indonesian football. The PSSI highlighted his track record of building competitive national sides as the primary reason for his selection.
Elliott Dickman will focus on developing the team’s attacking prowess, while Steven Vitoria will concentrate on strengthening the defensive structure. Nova Arianto and Simon Grayson will provide broader technical support, drawing on their respective coaching backgrounds. Andrej Kostolansky and Damian Van Rensburg will oversee the goalkeeping department, including set-piece strategies. Rounding out the team are Dzikry Lazuardi, responsible for technical performance analysis, Cesar Meylan as Head of Performance, Valdano Wiriawanputra focusing on sports science, and Emilia Achmadi managing the squad’s nutritional needs.
The appointment of this diverse and experienced coaching staff underscores the PSSI’s commitment to providing Herdman with the resources necessary to succeed. The upcoming matches against Saint Kitts and Nevis and either the Solomon Islands or Bulgaria will be crucial in assessing the team’s progress under the new leadership.
What’s Next: The Indonesian national team will face Saint Kitts and Nevis on March 27th at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium. The match will provide the first opportunity for fans to see Herdman’s vision for the team in action.
What are your expectations for the Indonesian national team under John Herdman? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
