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Jakarta, Indonesia – The omission of Persib Bandung goalkeeper Teja Paku Alam from Indonesia national team coach John Herdman’s preliminary 41-man squad for the upcoming FIFA Series 2026 has sparked debate among football observers. Despite a stellar season with Persib, consistently delivering top-tier performances, Teja was surprisingly left off the list announced Monday, March 9, 2026.
The FIFA Series, scheduled for March 27 and 30 at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium in Jakarta, will observe Indonesia compete in a round-robin format against Bulgaria, Solomon Islands, and Saint Kitts, and Nevis. Herdman’s squad selection has naturally drawn scrutiny, particularly regarding the exclusion of a goalkeeper widely considered to be in excellent form.
Teja’s Consistent Form for Persib Bandung
Teja Paku Alam has been a pivotal figure for Persib Bandung, consistently demonstrating his quality between the posts throughout the Super League season. His performances have been instrumental in maintaining Persib’s strong position in the league standings. The 31-year-old has become a crucial component of the team’s tactical setup, providing a reliable presence in goal.
A key indicator of Teja’s impact is his impressive clean sheet record. He has secured 14 clean sheets in 21 Super League appearances, a testament to his shot-stopping ability and command of his area. This record places him among the league’s top goalkeepers and fueled expectations for a national team call-up. His consistent form has not gone unnoticed by those closely following Indonesian football.
Football analyst Gita Suwondo believes Teja’s performances warranted consideration for the national team. “Looking at the number of saves, Teja has even made more than some of the other goalkeepers considered,” Suwondo told Kompas.com on Thursday, March 9, 2026. “I believe he made around 78 saves this season.”
Herdman’s Goalkeeping Choices
Herdman’s selection includes five goalkeepers for the FIFA Series: Emil Audero (Cremonese), Maarten Paes (Ajax Amsterdam), Nadeo Argawinata (Borneo FC), Cahya Supriadi (PSIM Yogyakarta), and Ernando Ari (Persebaya Surabaya). The inclusion of Audero and Paes, both playing professionally outside of Indonesia, signals a move towards incorporating players with international experience. Nadeo, Cahya, and Ernando represent domestic options, but Suwondo’s comments highlight the debate surrounding Teja’s exclusion despite his strong statistical performance.
It’s important to note that the preliminary squad of 41 players will be trimmed before the final roster for the FIFA Series is announced. This suggests that Herdman is still evaluating his options and considering various factors beyond pure statistics. The coach’s decisions are likely influenced by tactical considerations, team dynamics, and the specific challenges posed by the upcoming opponents.
While Teja’s save numbers and clean sheet record are compelling, Herdman’s assessment likely extends beyond these metrics. Factors such as distribution, command of the penalty area, and ability to play out from the back may also play a role in the coach’s decision-making process. The international experience of Audero and Paes could also be a significant factor, as Herdman looks to build a competitive squad capable of challenging on the international stage.
The choice to overlook Teja, despite his impressive club form, underscores the complexities of national team selection. Coaches must balance current form with long-term objectives, tactical fit, and the overall needs of the squad. Herdman’s decisions will be closely scrutinized as Indonesia prepares for the FIFA Series and future international competitions.
The upcoming FIFA Series represents a crucial opportunity for Indonesia to test its squad and prepare for future challenges. The matches against Bulgaria, Solomon Islands, and Saint Kitts and Nevis will provide valuable experience and allow Herdman to assess his players in a competitive environment. The results of these matches will undoubtedly shape the team’s preparations for upcoming tournaments and provide insights into the direction of Indonesian football under Herdman’s leadership.
The debate surrounding Teja Paku Alam’s exclusion serves as a reminder of the passionate following and intense scrutiny that accompanies the Indonesian national team. Fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how Herdman’s squad performs in the FIFA Series and whether the coach’s decisions ultimately prove successful.
What’s Next: The final squad for the FIFA Series will be announced in the coming days. Indonesia will then start preparations for their matches against Bulgaria on March 27th and Saint Kitts and Nevis on March 30th, both at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium in Jakarta.
What are your thoughts on Teja Paku Alam’s omission? Share your opinions in the comments below.
