The Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) once revealed that it would soon introduce the new head coach of the national team at the beginning of 2026. However, up to this point, the football of the Land of Ten Thousand Islands has not had any new information.
After parting ways with coach Patrick Kluivert, PSSI determined that it needed a coach with enough experience and bravery to lead the entire national team system. In the shortlist drawn from many international candidates, John Herdman - the English coach emerged as the number 1 choice.
However, contrary to initial speculation, negotiations between PSSI and Herdman are still ongoing. Indonesian media reported that the strategist born in 1975 has surpassed 4 other strong candidates to gain trust from the federation's leadership. However, contract issues have not been completely resolved.
One of the issues of concern is the remuneration level for coach John Herdman. Initial information said that he would receive about $40,000/month, but this number is assessed as not commensurate with his impressive CV.
Herdman is one of the few successful coaches in the world in both men's and women's football. He once brought the Canadian women's team to the quarter-finals of the 2015 World Cup and helped the Canadian men's team win a ticket to the 2022 World Cup after more than 3 decades of absence.
Mr. Sumardji - Chairman of the Indonesian national team management agency said that the two sides are still completing the terms related to finance and contract term. If everything goes smoothly, the contract can be signed at the end of January 2026. Coach Herdman is expected to sign a 2-year contract, with a 2-year extension clause depending on the results of work.
