From the Bench to the Spotlight: Is Eksel Runtukahu the New Solution for Indonesia’s Front Line?

In the high-pressure environment of the BRI Super League, opportunities are rarely handed out; they are seized. For Eksel Runtukahu, the window opened during a crisis at Persija Jakarta, and he has spent the last few matches kicking it wide open. Following a dominant performance against Persebaya Surabaya, the conversation has shifted from whether Runtukahu can contribute to whether he is the missing piece for the Indonesia National Team ahead of the 2026 AFF Cup.

The catalyst for this surge in interest came on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at the Stadion Utama Gelora Bung Karno (SUGBK) in Jakarta. In a clinical 3-0 victory over Persebaya, Runtukahu didn’t just play; he dominated. Scoring a brace—finding the net in the 53rd and 75th minutes—the forward proved that he can be the focal point of an attack when given the keys.

Efficiency Over Minutes

The most compelling part of Runtukahu’s current form is the efficiency. To understand his impact, you have to look at the clock. Across 18 appearances for Persija this season, Runtukahu has spent the majority of his time on the bench, totaling only 912 minutes on the pitch. Despite this limited exposure, he has managed to rack up six goals and two assists.

For a striker, that level of production per minute is a flashing neon sign for any national team scout. While he may not have the luxury of consistent starts, his ability to enter a game and immediately alter the scoreline is a specific skill set that provides immense tactical flexibility.

A Crisis-Driven Opportunity

It is important to acknowledge how Runtukahu found himself in the starting lineup. Persija Jakarta has been grappling with a significant void in their attacking third. The “Macan Kemayoran” have seen Gustavo Almeida absent, Alaeddine Ajaraie recovering from injury, and Mauro Zijlstra sidelined by a long-term injury. Even Emaxwell Souza, a primary option, has struggled to find the back of the net recently.

In sports, the best players are often those who can thrive in the vacuum left by others. Runtukahu has stepped into a depleted squad and not only filled the gap but raised the standard. Persija coach Mauricio Souza has been vocal about this transformation, describing Runtukahu as the “best player” of the Persebaya match and praising his “extraordinary potential” and character.

For those following the Indonesian league, This represents a classic narrative of perseverance. Runtukahu’s path to the top was not a straight line. Born in Tondano, the 27-year-old spent years grinding through the lower tiers of Indonesian football. His journey took him from SSB Tumou Tou to Persmin Minahasa in Liga 3, then to Kalteng Putra and Sulut United in Liga 2, before finally making his Liga 1 debut with Barito Putera in February 2023.

The John Herdman Factor

The ultimate question is whether this club form will translate into a call-up from national team coach John Herdman. Herdman has shown a penchant for monitoring domestic talent who demonstrate a “clinical edge” in the Super League. With the 2026 AFF Cup on the horizon, the national team is constantly looking for reliable options in the forward position.

The competition is stiff, but the case for Runtukahu is based on momentum. While established names carry weight, Herdman’s tactical approach often rewards players who are in a “flow state” of scoring. If Runtukahu can maintain this consistency over the coming weeks, he becomes more than just a backup option; he becomes a strategic asset for the national side.

To put this in perspective for the global reader: the AFF Cup is the premier competition for Southeast Asian nations. For a player like Runtukahu, who has climbed from the third division to the capital city’s biggest club, a national team call-up would be the culmination of a decade of professional ascent.

Runtukahu’s Career Trajectory

To understand where Eksel Runtukahu stands today, it helps to look at the steps he took to reach the SUGBK spotlights. His career is a testament to the depth of the Indonesian football pyramid.

What Needs to Happen Next?

The “brace” against Persebaya is a fantastic highlight, but it is a single game. For John Herdman to commit a roster spot to Runtukahu for the 2026 AFF Cup, the striker needs to prove this isn’t a flash in the pan. The challenge for Runtukahu is consistency—a trait his own coach, Mauricio Souza, noted was previously lacking.

as Persija’s injured stars return, Runtukahu will have to fight to keep his starting spot. The real test of his potential call-up will be how he performs when he is no longer the only healthy option on the pitch. If he can maintain his goal-scoring rate while competing with the likes of Zijlstra and Almeida, he becomes an undeniable choice for the national team.

For now, the momentum is firmly in his favor. Runtukahu has handled the sudden attention with a level head, focusing on team success rather than individual rivalry with other strikers in the squad. That maturity, combined with a sudden knack for finding the back of the net, makes him one of the most interesting storylines in Indonesian football this season.

Next Checkpoint: Persija Jakarta’s upcoming fixtures in the Super League will be the primary scouting ground for the national team staff. All eyes will be on Runtukahu to see if he can sustain this scoring streak into the final stretch of the season.

Do you think Eksel Runtukahu deserves a spot in John Herdman’s squad for the AFF Cup, or is it too early to call? Let us recognize in the comments below.