JAKARTA — Indonesia’s national team head coach John Herdman has delivered a blunt assessment of the current squad’s age profile, declaring the over-reliance on players aged 28 to 36 unsustainable and urging immediate youth development to avoid long-term decline. In an interview published May 23, Herdman—who took charge of the Garuda in 2025 after a successful stint with the Canadian men’s national team—spoke directly to a persistent challenge facing Asian football: how to transition from a diaspora-dependent roster to a homegrown talent pipeline.

The comments come as Indonesia prepares for a pivotal period, balancing FIFA World Cup qualifiers with the upcoming 2026 AFF Suzuki Cup in Vietnam. Herdman’s stance reflects a growing tension between short-term results and structural reform, a debate playing out across Southeast Asian football.

Why Herdman Is Pushing for Younger Players

Herdman’s remarks, reported by Kompas, reveal a coach frustrated by the lack of depth in Indonesia’s senior ranks. “I’m not interested in calling up players aged 28 to 36,” he stated. “We need to build a foundation with younger talent now, or we’ll keep chasing the same problems.”

Herdman’s strategy appears to be bifurcating the squad: younger, locally based players for the AFF Suzuki Cup (scheduled November 1–15, 2026) and more experienced diaspora-based athletes for FIFA World Cup qualifiers. This approach mirrors tactics used by neighboring teams like Thailand and Vietnam, which have successfully integrated overseas-based players into their national teams while developing domestic talent.

The Stakes: FIFA vs. AFF Priorities

Indonesia’s dual focus presents a tactical and logistical challenge. The team must navigate two distinct competitions with vastly different demands:

Herdman’s emphasis on youth development aligns with a broader trend in Southeast Asian football. According to a recent discussion with PSSI Director of Technical Alexander Zwiers, the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) is accelerating grassroots programs, including:

• A 50% increase in youth academy funding (2026 budget).
• Mandatory participation in the PSSI National Under-17 League for all regional clubs.
• Partnerships with European academies (e.g., Ajax, Manchester City) for coach exchanges.

From Diaspora Dependence to Homegrown Hope

Indonesia’s reliance on overseas-based players is not new. In the 2022 AFF Suzuki Cup, nearly 60% of the starting XI played in European leagues, a trend that continued into the 2024 World Cup qualifiers. However, Herdman’s criticism highlights a critical shift: the aging of this diaspora cohort.

Among the most high-profile players currently under contract abroad are:

• Rizky Ridho (29, RB Leipzig, Germany) – Captain and defensive anchor.
• Evan Dimas (31, Al-Duhail, Qatar) – Veteran midfielder, 100+ caps.
• Saddil Ramdhani (27, Al-Hilal, Saudi Arabia) – Creative midfielder, rising star.
• Irsyad Maolana (33, Persija Jakarta, Indonesia) – Experienced goalkeeper, but nearing retirement.

While these players provide experience, their availability is unpredictable due to club commitments. Herdman’s solution? A two-tiered approach:

1. Short-term: Secure contracts with 12–15 diaspora players for World Cup qualifiers, ensuring flexibility.
2. Long-term: Integrate 8–10 locally based players into the senior squad by 2027, with a focus on those under 25.

How Did We Get Here?

Indonesia’s football development has long been hindered by structural issues:

• Lack of domestic league competitiveness: The Liga 1 remains inconsistent, with financial instability affecting player retention.
• Youth pathway gaps: Only 3 of Indonesia’s 34 provinces have PSSI-affiliated academies with professional coaching.
• Cultural barriers: Many talented young players pursue overseas opportunities early, reducing national team options.

Herdman’s predecessor, Simon McMenemy (2016–2021), also grappled with these challenges, famously stating in 2019 that Indonesia needed “a cultural revolution” in football. His successor, Shaka Hislop (2021–2024), made incremental progress but faced resistance from clubs reluctant to release young talent.

Who’s Affected?

Coach: John Herdman

Herdman, 58, is known for his pragmatic approach, blending tactical discipline with player development. His tenure in Canada (2016–2021) saw the team qualify for the 2022 World Cup, a feat Indonesia has yet to achieve. His age-related comments reflect a broader philosophy: “Football is a young man’s game. If you don’t develop your youth, you’ll always be playing catch-up.”

Players: The Diaspora vs. Local Divide

Veteran players like Evan Dimas and Rizky Ridho have been vocal supporters of Herdman’s strategy, recognizing the need for renewal. However, younger diaspora stars such as Saddil Ramdhani have expressed frustration over the lack of clear pathways for returning players to the national team.

Fans: The Fan Engagement Factor

Local fan bases, particularly in Jakarta and Surabaya, have historically shown stronger support for homegrown players. The AFF Suzuki Cup—played in Southeast Asia—offers Indonesia a chance to capitalize on this enthusiasm, provided the team can field a competitive squad without over-reliance on imports.

The Road Ahead: 2026–2027 Checkpoints

Herdman’s youth-focused vision hinges on three critical milestones:

1. June 2026: FIFA World Cup Qualifiers (Group Stage). Indonesia will face Australia, Timor-Leste, and Cambodia. Herdman has stated he will prioritize diaspora players for these matches, with a maximum of 4 locally based players in the starting XI.
2. November 2026: AFF Suzuki Cup (Vietnam). The tournament will serve as a proving ground for Indonesia’s youth policy. Herdman has hinted at debuts for players like Rafael Lima (19, Persib Bandung) and Bryan Lolo (21, Persija Jakarta).
3. 2027: Asian Cup Qualifiers. The team’s ability to balance experience and youth will determine its chances of qualifying for the 2027 tournament in Saudi Arabia.

Key Takeaways

• Age Crisis: Herdman’s refusal to call up players aged 28–36 signals a break from Indonesia’s traditional reliance on experienced diaspora players.
• Dual Squad Strategy: FIFA qualifiers will feature overseas-based athletes; the AFF Suzuki Cup will prioritize local talent.
• Youth Development Urgency: PSSI has until 2028 to produce 12–15 elite U-23 players to sustain the senior team.
• Fan Impact: The AFF Suzuki Cup offers Indonesia a chance to rally support behind homegrown players.
• Next Steps: Watch for squad announcements in June 2026 for World Cup qualifiers and November 2026 for the AFF Suzuki Cup.

Final Thought: Can Indonesia Break the Cycle?

John Herdman’s challenge is clear: Indonesia must transition from a team of convenience to one of conviction. The success of this strategy will hinge on three factors:

1. The ability of PSSI to retain and develop young talent domestically.
2. The willingness of clubs to prioritize national team commitments over commercial interests.
3. Fan and media support for a long-term vision over short-term results.

As Herdman prepares for the World Cup qualifiers, one thing is certain: the Garuda’s future will no longer be defined by the players it can borrow, but by the ones it can build.