Padang, Indonesia – In a swift move to address a concerning slump in form, Indonesian Super League side Semen Padang has relieved Dejan Antonic of his duties as head coach. The decision, made following a scoreless draw against PSIM Yogyakarta on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, signals a desperate attempt to salvage their season and avoid relegation. Immediately following the announcement, the club revealed Imran Nahumarury as Antonic’s replacement, effective Thursday, March 5, 2026.
The dismissal marks a turbulent period for Semen Padang, having also parted ways with a previous coach earlier in the 2025/2026 season. This makes Antonic the second manager to be let go by the club during the current campaign, highlighting the pressure to turn things around. Antonic had been appointed on October 10, 2025, tasked with revitalizing the team after Eduardo Almeida’s departure, but ultimately failed to deliver the desired results.
Currently languishing in 17th place in the 20-team BRI Super League standings, Semen Padang has accumulated a mere 17 points from 24 matches. The team faces a daunting battle to climb out of the relegation zone with only 10 matches remaining in the season. The club’s management hopes that a change in leadership will inject new life into the squad and spark a resurgence in performance.
Imran Nahumarury Takes the Reins
Imran Nahumarury arrives at Semen Padang with a reputation for successfully guiding Malut United to promotion to the Super League in the 2023/2024 season. His tenure with Laskar Kie Raha saw the team perform impressively in the following season, establishing themselves as a competitive force. However, his time at Malut United ended amidst reported internal disputes, with allegations of actions that negatively impacted players and the club. Despite this, Semen Padang’s leadership appears confident in his ability to steer the team away from danger.
The appointment was announced via Semen Padang’s official social media channels on Thursday evening, with a welcoming message directed at the new coach: “Welcome Coach Imran Nahumarury.” This quick action underscores the urgency felt within the club to address their precarious position in the league table.
A Tight Relegation Battle
Semen Padang’s struggle isn’t isolated. The bottom of the BRI Super League table is incredibly congested, with several teams separated by only a few points. Persis Solo currently sits just above Semen Padang with 16 points, followed by PSBS Biak with 18 points. Persijap Jepara (19 points) and Madura United (20 points) are also within striking distance, making every point crucial in the remaining matches.
The club is banking on Nahumarury’s experience and tactical acumen to navigate this challenging period. The hope is that a fresh perspective and a renewed sense of purpose can inspire the players to fight for their Super League status. The situation is further complicated by the fact that Semen Padang managed to avoid relegation last season, suggesting that survival is still within reach, but requires a significant improvement in performance.
Andre Rosiade’s Criticism of PSSI
The situation at Semen Padang has also sparked criticism directed towards the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI). Andre Rosiade, a penasihat (advisor) to Semen Padang FC and the son-in-law of Pratama Arhan, issued a strong statement regarding PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir, though the specifics of the criticism were not detailed in available reports. This adds another layer of complexity to the club’s current predicament, suggesting potential off-field issues contributing to the instability.
The club’s decision to bring in Nahumarury represents a significant gamble as they attempt to avoid the drop. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether this change in leadership can deliver the results needed to secure their place in the BRI Super League for the following season. Fans will be hoping that Nahumarury can quickly instill a winning mentality and guide Semen Padang to safety.
Semen Padang’s next fixture will be a crucial test of their resolve. Details regarding the date, time and location of the match are forthcoming, but the team will undoubtedly be under immense pressure to deliver a positive result. The club will need to quickly gel under their new manager and demonstrate a significant improvement in performance to have any chance of escaping the relegation battle.
The Indonesian Super League continues to provide compelling drama, and Semen Padang’s story is undoubtedly one of the most captivating narratives unfolding this season. The club’s fate hangs in the balance, and all eyes will be on Imran Nahumarury as he attempts to orchestrate a remarkable turnaround.
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