Indonesia Blends Experience and Youth Ahead of ASEAN Futsal Title Defense

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian futsal squad is blending returning experience and fresh ambition as it prepares to defend its ASEAN title, with players emphasizing competition, regeneration, and unity ahead of the regional tournament.

Indonesian national futsal goalkeeper Muhammad Albagir expressed his delight at returning to the squad after a long absence from the Red and White team.

Albagir had been sidelined for quite some time and was not included when Indonesia finished as runner-up at the 2026 AFC Futsal Asian Cup earlier this year, with Ahmad Habibie occupying the main goalkeeper position.

“Of course I’m happy. It’s been quite a while … but the target remains the same, to pass this selection first before thinking about what’s next,” Albagir said after training in Jakarta on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

He is part of a provisional 19-player squad called up by coach Hector Souto for the 2026 ASEAN Futsal Championship in Thailand. The Blacksteel player last represented Indonesia at the 4 Nation Series, when the team defeated Japan 1-0.

Souto has introduced several new faces into the squad, which Albagir sees as a positive sign of renewed energy and long-term regeneration. “With young players comes new passion. I fully trust the coach and staff,” he said.

During his absence, Albagir said he remained motivated due to his strong passion for futsal and continuous self-improvement. As defending champions, he stressed that the title is not a burden but motivation to raise Indonesia’s futsal level, while identifying Vietnam and Thailand as key rivals.

Meanwhile, fellow player Dewa Rizki is targeting a successful title defense when Indonesia competes in Thailand from April 5-13.

“Of course it’s a motivation. Indonesia were champions in the previous ASEAN Futsal Championship, so we want to defend the title and keep working hard,” Dewa said.

Indonesia won the 2024 edition in Thailand after defeating Vietnam 2-0. Dewa, who helped Indonesia reach the 2026 AFC Futsal Asian Cup final, expressed gratitude for being included in the 19-player squad, which will be trimmed to 14 players.

“I want to give my best in every match, go all out for myself and for Indonesia,” said the Cosmo JNE player.

Although coach Souto has not set a title target, Dewa emphasized his personal goal to win every match. He also noted that adaptation to tactics is the main challenge for new players, while team chemistry has been strengthened through shared training camps and activities. ***