August 25, 2025 | 02:46 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Chairperson of the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI), Erick Thohir, has confirmed that the Indonesian national team won't be facing Kuwait on the FIFA Matchday in September 2025. The Kuwait national team has withdrawn from the planned friendly match. "We have received a confirmation letter from Kuwait. They are not only not playing in Indonesia, but also in a tournament in the United Arab Emirates," he said on Monday, August 25, 2025.
The Indonesian national team was initially scheduled to play against Kuwait and Lebanon in a friendly match in Surabaya on September 5 and 8, 2025. The match, titled Garuda Championship Series, will take place at Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium in Surabaya. The Indonesian national team will bring 27 players for the event.
"So, I don't know why they withdrew because it's clear that they have the black and white to participate in Indonesia and in the UAE. I don't know if there are internal issues or what, but I also don't want to interfere. Of course, now we are focusing on the match against Lebanon," said Erick, who is also the Minister of State-Owned Enterprises.
Erick has already informed the Indonesian national team coach, Patrick Kluivert, about the cancellation. According to him, the cancellation could have a positive impact as it will provide more time for the team's preparation. "So that this team has time to adapt, for the match against Lebanon and in October (2025, continuation of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers)," Erick Thohir explained.
The cancellation of the Indonesian national team's match against Kuwait does not affect the schedule of the match against Lebanon. The PSSI is currently trying to devise a new scenario that will make the most of the FIFA Matchday fixtures. "Until today, I cannot speak about who will replace them. We have also sent a letter to the AFC to, in a sense, maintain better relationships among AFC members in the future," said Erick Thohir.
"Of course, domestic issues in Kuwait, for me, I don't want to interfere, but perhaps this is one of the things that needs to be noted together," Erick added. Erick has handed over the timing and location of the assembly of the Indonesian national team players for the Garuda Championship Series to the National Team Agency (BTN).
Editor's Choice: Indonesia Advances to Semifinals of 2025 AFF Women's U-16 Cup After Defeating Malaysia
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
BI Reports US$5.1 Billion in Indonesia-Japan Local Currency Transactions
5 menit lalu
The governor of Bank Indonesia stated that the value of LCT between Indonesia and Japan reached US$5.1 billion by July 2025.
Indonesia's Prabowo Inaugurates Several State Officials and Ambassadors
1 jam lalu
President Prabowo inaugurates Minister Brian Yuliarto as the head of the Minerals Industry Agency.
'Bareng Warga' Community Raises Doubts Over DPR Protest Participation
3 jam lalu
The Bareng Warga community decided not to participate in the mass protest before the House of Representatives (DPR) building on August 25, 2025.
Latest Earthquakes in Indonesia: Karawang and Nabire Shaken by Tremors
5 jam lalu
The earthquake in Karawang, West Java, early this morning, August 25, 2025, was among the latest earthquakes whose tremors were also felt in Nabire.
Indonesia Advances to Semifinals of 2025 AFF Women's U-16 Cup After Defeating Malaysia
12 jam lalu
The Indonesian U-16 women's national team secured a spot in the semifinals of the 2025 AFF Cup after defeating Malaysia 3-1 at Manahan Stadium, Solo, on Sunday night, August 24, 2025.
Today's Top 3 News: Japan Sends 118 Teachers to Assist Japanese Learning in Indonesia
18 jam lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
Japan Sends 118 Teachers to Assist Japanese Learning in Indonesia
1 hari lalu
A total of 118 Japanese teachers will participate in the NIHONGO Partners program to assist Japanese language teaching in Indonesian schools.
Today's Top 3 News: UN Declares Famine in Gaza; Israel Disputes Findings
1 hari lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
IIF Channels Rp42.5 Trillion into Indonesia's Strategic Infrastructure Projects
1 hari lalu
PT Indonesia Infrastructure Finance (IIF) has disbursed Rp42.5 trillion for national strategic infrastructure projects.
Indonesia's 5% Economic Growth Becomes Reference for ASEAN, Says Minister
2 hari lalu
Minister of Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto claimed that Indonesia's ability to maintain stable economic growth at 5 percent makes the country a reference point.
