REPUBLICA.CO.ID, SIDOARJO -- President Prabowo Subianto gave his full support to the plans of the General Chairman of the All Indonesia Football Association (PSSI) Erick Thohir to form amateur football clubs in various regions. Prabowo said the plan would involve working with local authorities as part of efforts to strengthen national football coaching from an early age.
Prabowo reiterated the importance of building the foundations of Indonesian football by providing facilities and opportunities for young people to thrive. Prabowo hopes that every school can later have an adequate football pitch.
“We encouraged amateur clubs. Hopefully every school will have a good ball field. What matters is will first, desire first. Dare first. Later, the step will be achieved,” Pranowo said while inaugurating 17 stadiums simultaneously from Gelora Delta Sidoarjo Stadium, Sidoarjo Regency, East Java, Monday (17/3/2025).
Prabowo highlighted the role of sport, particularly football, as a symbol of a nation's self-esteem and strength. According to him, success in sport is not just about the facilities or wealth of a country, but more about the spirit and determination it possesses.
“I agree with PSSI's Erick Thohir who says football reflects the spirit and strength of a nation. So, a strong nation is a nation strong in spirit, and strong physically. Physically strong, soul strong. Only with a strong physical and soul can a nation stand up and be a great country,” Prabowo said.
Prabowo also stressed sport is a benchmark of the spirit and will of a nation. Prabowo gave the example of developing countries, particularly in Africa, that managed to break through to the World Cup despite facility limitations.
“It's not just a rich nation whose football is great. No. A lot of countries are poor, countries in Africa they can get into the World Cup. They don't have a field as good as this. They are much poorer than us. But his spirit does not want to lose. This (we) have to learn,” Prabowo said.
PSSI General Chairman Erick Thohir said Prabowo's support was hugely impactful in efforts to boost the progress of Homeland football. Erick is optimistic Indonesian football can continue to grow and achieve achievements on the international scene with strong support from President Prabowo.
“The program to develop amateur clubs in different regions has also been supported by a number of ministers, including Interior Minister Tito Karnavian,” Erick said.
Erick said the development was aimed at amateur clubs. Erick ensured this was not reserved for League 1 or League 2 clubs of a professional nature.
“We will build amateur clubs again in the regions, in the provinces, in cities and villages as an effort we have already had a people who have fighting power, a society that has a great will to change, a society that wants us not to be inferior to other great nations. The program has been encouraged. Please direct from Mr. President Prabowo,” Erick said.
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