John Herdman Sets High Stakes for Indonesia’s 23-Man Training Camp Ahead of ASEAN Championship

Indonesia’s path to the 2026 ASEAN Championship has officially entered its most critical phase. National team head coach John Herdman has called up 23 players for a high-intensity training camp in Jakarta, turning the upcoming sessions into a trial by fire for those hoping to secure a spot in the final squad.

The training camp, scheduled from May 26 to May 30, 2026, serves as more than just a tactical rehearsal. Herdman has introduced a rigorous “promotion and degradation” system, meaning the 23-man list is not a guarantee of participation. Players will be evaluated daily on their quality and fit within the team’s tactical framework. those who impress will earn their place for the ASEAN Championship and potentially a spot in the June FIFA Matchday window.

For the domestic players, the stakes are particularly high. Because the ASEAN Championship does not fall on the official FIFA calendar, Herdman is using this window to aggressively scout local talent. The coaching staff has spent the season monitoring domestic league performances, and this camp is the final opportunity for players to translate that form into a national team jersey.

A New Guard: Herdman’s Fresh Faces

While established names like Marselino Ferdinan, Witan Sulaeman, and Muhammad Riyandi remain central to the project, Herdman is clearly looking to inject new energy into the roster. Five players called up for this camp have never previously featured for the senior national team, signaling a shift toward meritocracy and the pursuit of untapped potential.

Among the most notable newcomers is Rizky Eka Pratama, a 26-year-old left winger from PSM Makassar. Pratama arrives with a steady domestic record, having clocked 1,366 minutes across 22 matches this season, contributing one goal and one assist. His inclusion suggests Herdman is looking for specific width and discipline on the left flank.

Adding more firepower to the attacking rotation is Eksel Runtukahu. The striker, who joined Persija Jakarta on July 1, 2025, after a stint with Barito Putera, has been one of the more clinical finishers in the league. Runtukahu’s current form is hard to ignore, with six goals and three assists in 21 appearances. For a team seeking a reliable “goal machine,” Runtukahu represents a calculated gamble on raw efficiency.

The Road to Group A: Breaking the Runner-Up Curse

The ultimate goal of this selection process is the ASEAN Championship, which runs from July 24 to August 26, 2026. Indonesia has been placed in Group A, a challenging bracket that includes Vietnam, Singapore, and Cambodia, along with the winner of a playoff between Brunei Darussalam and Timor Leste.

For the Indonesian faithful, the tournament is about more than just progression—We see about exorcising a long-standing ghost. Historically, Indonesia has struggled to cross the final threshold, finishing as runners-up six times without ever lifting the trophy. Herdman’s willingness to shake up the roster and implement a competitive selection process reflects a desire to break this pattern of near-misses.

The training camp in Jakarta will include internal matches and intensive drills designed to simulate the pressure of the group stages. By forcing players to compete for their spots, Herdman is attempting to build a squad defined by resilience rather than tenure.

Tactical Implications and the June Bridge

The timing of this camp is strategic. By conducting the selection at the end of May, Herdman creates a seamless bridge to the FIFA Matchday fixtures in June. This allows the coach to maintain a core group of players who have already gelled during the ASEAN preparations, reducing the typical “ramp-up” time required for international breaks.

The internal competition during the May 26–30 window will likely dictate the team’s tactical flexibility. With a mix of seasoned internationals and hungry newcomers, Herdman has the opportunity to experiment with different attacking configurations—whether that means leaning on the creativity of Marselino Ferdinan or the clinical nature of new additions like Runtukahu.

The focus remains on quality and necessity. As Herdman noted in official communications, the goal is to identify players who not only possess the skill but fit the specific needs of the team’s evolving system.

Key Camp Details at a Glance

• Camp Dates: May 26–30, 2026
• Location: Jakarta, Indonesia
• Squad Size: 23 players (Initial selection)
• Selection Logic: Promotion and degradation based on performance
• Primary Goal: Finalize roster for ASEAN Championship (July 24 – Aug 26)
• Secondary Goal: Identify core players for June FIFA Matchday

As the training camp begins, the pressure shifts from the coaching staff to the players. In a system where no one is safe and every minute of training is an audition, the next five days in Jakarta will determine who becomes a part of Indonesia’s quest for its first-ever ASEAN title.

Next Checkpoint: The final squad announcement for the ASEAN Championship is expected following the conclusion of the training camp on May 30, 2026.

Do you think Herdman’s “promotion and degradation” system is the right move to shake up the squad? Let us understand your thoughts in the comments below.