RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian national esports team is entering the SEA Esports Nations Cup (ENC) 2026 in Vietnam with optimism, particularly in the PUBG Mobile category.

Much of that confidence stems from the consistency and international experience of star player Alan Raynold Kumaseh. Head coach Richard Permana explained that Alan has prepared intensively, training with several professional Indonesian athletes before leaving for Vietnam.

“For Alan, we are quite optimistic. With warm-up sessions, we were assisted by fellow professional athletes in Indonesia,” Richard said, as quoted by Antara on Friday, May 8, 2026.

Richard noted that Alan’s practice results have been steady, especially in solo mode. “We practiced in Jakarta, and Alan’s results were quite consistent,” he added.

Alan’s experience in solo competitions, including a silver medal at the 2021 SEA Games in Hanoi and another podium finish at the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia, is seen as a crucial advantage. “He has a strong record in solo mode,” Richard emphasized.

For the duo category, Richard admitted the team is still working to find its rhythm, though recent sessions have shown progress. The squad is also supported by Fazriel Haikal Aditya.

“We trained for the duo as well. In one or two matches it looked good, but overall, we still need to find the right rhythm,” Richard explained.

Richard also pointed out that the competitive landscape has shifted with Thailand’s absence from the PUBG Mobile event. Ten nations will compete: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Timor-Leste, Vietnam, and Indonesia.

“It turns out Thailand isn’t participating, so there are only 20 athletes in PUBG,” he said.

With only a limited number of matches -- four solo and four duo -- Richard stressed the importance of quick adaptation and aggressive play to secure elimination points early. “They must adapt quickly. We hope all the experience and practice they’ve had can be applied intensively during the official matches.”

The PUBG Mobile Solo event is scheduled for Friday, May 8, followed by the Duo competition on Saturday, May 9. ***