Patrick Kluivert, the newly appointed head coach of Indonesia’s national soccer team, holds up his official jersey during a photo-call on Jan. 12, 2025, at a press conference in Jakarta. (Reuters/Willy Kurniawan)
D
utch coach and former soccer player Patrick Kluivert has introduced himself to the Indonesian public for the first time since his appointment last week as head coach of the national soccer team, sharing his aspirations at a press conference in Jakarta on Sunday.
Kluivert greeted fans during the event, held the day after arriving in the capital on Saturday, as well as outlined his goals for the Indonesia team, which includes securing a spot in the FIFA World Cup finals next year.
“My goal is [for the team] to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, […] so for the first two upcoming games, we need to have at least four points in the pocket,” he said.
Indonesia currently ranks third in Group C of the World Cup Asian qualifiers with 6 points, after Japan and Australia with 16 and 7 points, respectively.
The Dutch national also revealed a long-term plan to continue with team-building efforts after achieving his primary goal of qualifying for the 2026 championship.
Kluivert, a legendary Netherlands striker, signed a two-year contract as head coach of the Indonesia team, with an option to extend his tenure for another two years.
He is to be accompanied by two Indonesian coaches as assistant managers as well as a number of Dutch coaches.
