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Indonesia’s national team will hold a seven-day training camp in Bali this month, canceling international matches planned for the November FIFA window.
The change follows security concerns in the Middle East and the postponement of the AFC Asian Cup.
The decision to cancel matches and focus on a training camp was made after plans for games in the Middle East were abandoned. The Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) and coach John Herdman had explored options, including a match against Jordan scheduled for November 13 in Amman, but those plans fell through.
“Following the postponement of the AFC Asian Cup and considering the escalating regional situation in the Middle East, we have decided not to proceed with the matches previously planned in that region,” Herdman said in an official statement on Friday, as reported by Kompas.com.
“We will utilize the November FIFA window to hold a seven-day training camp in Bali, focusing on strengthening squad depth and continuing preparations for the World Cup qualifiers.”
The move ensures continuity in preparation despite the lack of official competition. The program, now focused on internal development, aims to build a more solid team foundation. “We will combine players from the main squad with some new players. This becomes an opportunity to evaluate their potential, deepen tactical understanding, and strengthen teamwork within the national team,” Herdman added.
Bali Camp Focuses on Squad Depth
The training camp at the Bali United Training Center in Gianyar serves to assess players. With 22 players called up, the coaching staff will evaluate both established and new talent in a concentrated environment. The camp, running from November 10-17, is designed to maximize the limited time available during the FIFA Matchday window.
Coach Herdman explicitly said that the absence of a traditional international match presents a unique opportunity. “I think we have to quickly change our way of thinking, viewing it as an opportunity. This is a fairly rare opportunity,” Herdman said at the training center on Tuesday, according to Kompas.com.
He acknowledged that the PSSI had worked hard to secure a match for the players, but the situation now allows for a different kind of preparation. “Moment we will use as well as possible,” he added.
The choice of Bali is strategic. The location provides ideal conditions for physical and mental recovery, allowing players to focus on tactical instruction. The venue is also familiar, having hosted previous national team camps, including one in July 2026 for the AFF Championship and another under former coach Patrick Kluivert for World Cup qualifiers against China and Japan.
Closed-Door Friendly Against Bali United
To provide competitive simulation, the national team will face Bali United in a closed-door friendly during the camp. The match is scheduled for the weekend and will not be open to the public, allowing the coaching staff to conduct a thorough evaluation of the players.
“We will play a friendly match with Bali United at the end of the week,” Herdman confirmed, as reported by Antara News Bali. He emphasized that the closed-door nature of the game is essential for giving the coaching staff ample space to assess the squad.
“I want to observe the sharpness of tactics and technique of the 22 players who have been called up. I will evaluate the squad depth after the players have been monitored for about a year,” Herdman explained. “So I am excited. I already told my staff that by the end of this week, we will know much more about our squad depth.”
The match against Bali United, a top Indonesian club, offers a valuable test. The team includes two players from Bali United, Tim Geypens and Jens Raven, giving the coach a chance to see them in a different tactical context. Herdman specifically noted Geypens, a naturalized player from the Netherlands, praising his versatility and expressing a desire to use him in midfield.
“I like what Johnny Jansen (Bali United’s coach) is doing in Bali, and I want to see it in the middle of the field. So we will give him a chance in midfield. That is an area we will strengthen with Tim in the national team,” Herdman said.
Players Welcome Camp to Showcase Abilities and Build Chemistry
The camp is welcomed by the players as a chance to showcase their abilities and build chemistry. Ragnar Oratmangoen, one of the players called up, expressed his enthusiasm.
“Yes, I think this is very good. The facilities are good, we are all happy to be here, the weather is good. I think this is a good opportunity for us to get a good training session and to show ourselves to the coach,” he told Kompas.com.
Defender Rizky Ridho provided insight into the players’ understanding of the situation. He acknowledged the efforts made by the PSSI and coaching staff to find an opponent.
“So, we ask for understanding, because (the coaching staff and PSSI) also tried hard to find a match for us,” Ridho said after a league match in Jakarta, as reported by Janalokajournal.id. The camp allows the team to solidify its tactical approach and deepen squad cohesion ahead of future international challenges.
After the Bali camp, the national team’s focus will remain on the World Cup qualification pathway. The training program is designed to build momentum and competitiveness for the upcoming matches, ensuring the team is well-prepared for the demanding schedule ahead. The squad’s next confirmed competitive action will be the third round of World Cup qualifiers, though specific dates and opponents are yet to be officially announced for the 2027 cycle.
