RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) is intensifying efforts to improve referee professionalism as part of its commitment to strengthening the quality of national football competitions. These initiatives were outlined during the Regular Media Briefing held at the PSSI Office, GBK Arena, Jakarta.

The briefing brought together the Referee Committee, the Referee Department, and media representatives to discuss developments in Indonesia’s refereeing system. The forum also served as a platform to present evaluations and highlight ongoing referee development programs.

PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir emphasized that raising referee standards is a fundamental pillar in building a professional national football competition. He noted that PSSI continues to implement various referee development programs to enhance match officiating across the national leagues.

“A progressive football ecosystem must be supported by a strong, transparent, and professional refereeing system. We are committed to advancing referee development through quality improvement, systematic evaluation, and continuous training,” Erick stated in PSSI’s official release on Thursday, March 12, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

Erick also underlined the importance of openness with the media in fostering public trust in the national refereeing system. Transparency, he said, is key to ensuring that the public understands the ongoing referee development process in Indonesia.

“Through this forum, we aim to explain the steps being taken to improve the refereeing ecosystem. Transparency is essential so that all stakeholders can follow the development process being carried out by PSSI,” added Erick, who also serves as the Indonesian Minister of Youth and Sports.

Meanwhile, PSSI Referee Committee Chairman Yoshimi Ogawa shared that several strategic initiatives are underway to strengthen refereeing quality nationwide. These include enhancing match evaluation systems and expanding the pool of referees across different regions.

“We are implementing a range of strategic initiatives to elevate refereeing standards in Indonesia. This includes developing regional referees and strengthening futsal officiating,” Ogawa explained.

PSSI is also developing REFER, a digital platform designed to support the management of the national refereeing system. REFER will facilitate referee performance evaluations, match assignments, and serve as a learning hub for match officials.

Ogawa confirmed that the Regular Media Briefing will become a routine agenda to keep the public informed about ongoing programs. He expressed hope that the forum will help audiences better understand the referee development process.

Through these measures, PSSI aims to ensure that referee professionalism in Indonesian football continues to improve each season. Stronger refereeing standards are expected to reinforce match integrity and boost public confidence in national football.

Key Initiatives Highlighted by PSSI’s Referee Committee:

• Referee Performance in Super League and Championship
  Comprehensive evaluations of referees officiating in top-tier and second-tier competitions to ensure consistent improvement in match leadership standards.
• Development of REFER Platform
  A digital system for referee evaluation, match administration/assignments, and referee education, designed to enhance transparency and professionalism.
• Expansion of Referee Development in Provincial Associations
  Programs extended to regional associations to ensure regeneration and equitable referee quality across Indonesia.
• Futsal Referee Development
  Strengthening futsal referee training as part of holistic football development, including raising officiating standards in national futsal competitions.

(Diffa Sephiawardhani/Sri Wahyuni)