Former Indonesia National Team Forward Ferdinand Sinaga Now Plays in Indonesia’s Liga 4

Ferdinand Sinaga, the Indonesian footballer who helped Persib Bandung win the 2014 Indonesia Super League title, currently plays for Liga 4 club Persma 1960. This development marks a significant shift in the career of the player once dubbed “The Dragon” for his attacking prowess.

Born on September 18, 1988, in Bengkulu, Indonesia, Sinaga began his professional journey with Persibat Batang in 2006. His career trajectory took him through several Indonesian clubs before reaching a peak with Persib Bandung during the 2013-2014 season. According to verified records, Sinaga made 23 appearances and scored 11 goals for Persib Bandung in that period, contributing to their Indonesia Super League championship victory.

The 2014 title remains a highlight in Sinaga’s career, where he was recognized as one of the key contributors to Persib Bandung’s success. His performances during that season earned him acknowledgment as a significant player in the team’s title-winning campaign, though specific individual awards from that season are not detailed in the verified sources consulted.

Following his stint with Persib Bandung, Sinaga’s career path included spells with Sriwijaya, PSM Makassar (where he had two separate periods), Kelantan in Malaysia and returns to PSM Makassar. His later career saw him play for Persiwa Wamena, Semen Padang, Putra Samarinda, and more recently, Persis Solo, Persebaya Surabaya (with a loan to Persiraja Banda Aceh), Persekat Tegal, Persiba Balikpapan, and a return to Persibat Batang before joining his current club.

As of the 2024-2025 season, Sinaga played for Persiba Balikpapan, making eight appearances and scoring two goals. His most recent move saw him join Persibat Batang for the 2025-2026 season before transferring to his current club, Persma 1960, where he wears the number 17 jersey and continues to play as a forward.

Sinaga’s international career featured representations for Indonesia at various levels. He played for the Indonesia U-23 team from 2009 to 2014, earning 10 caps and scoring 8 goals. At the senior level, he represented the Indonesia national team from 2011 to 2019, making 20 appearances without scoring. His international honors include being part of the Indonesia U-23 team that won a medal at the 2011 Southeast Asian Games and being in the squad that finished as runners-up in the 2016 AFF Championship.

The forward, known for his speed and powerful shooting ability, has experienced the full spectrum of Indonesian football, from the top tier to the fourth division. His journey reflects the realities faced by many professional athletes as they navigate the later stages of their careers, continuing to contribute to the sport at different levels.

Sinaga’s current presence in Liga 4 with Persma 1960 underscores the enduring passion for football that drives players to remain active, regardless of the league’s tier. His career serves as a reminder of the dedication required to sustain a long-term involvement in professional sports.

As the 2025-2026 season progresses, Sinaga continues to train and compete with Persma 1960, maintaining his involvement in Indonesian football while carrying the experience gained from years of competing at various levels across the country and abroad.

For updates on Sinaga’s performances and Persma 1960’s campaign in Liga 4, fans can follow the club’s official communications and local sports coverage in West Java, where the club is based.

The story of Ferdinand Sinaga illustrates how athletes adapt to the evolving demands of their careers, finding new ways to stay connected to the sport they love even as their professional paths take unexpected turns.