Shin Tae-yong Returns to Indonesia as Persija’s New Head Coach

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Persija Jakarta has turned to a familiar figure in Indonesian football, appointing Shin Tae-yong as their new head coach for the 2026/2027 Super League season on a three-year contract.

The South Korean tactician, who previously led Indonesia’s national team for five years, replaces Mauricio Souza at the helm of the Macan Kemayoran. Club President Mohamad Prapanca described the move as a pivotal step for Persija’s future, noting that discussions began during the final stretch of the recent BRI Super League campaign.

At the time, Persija’s title challenge faltered with three winless matches--draws against Borneo FC (2-2) and Dewa United (1-1), followed by a 2-3 defeat to Bhayangkara Presisi Lampung FC.

The slump ultimately left Persija in third place with 71 points, trailing champions Persib Bandung and runners-up Borneo FC by eight points. “Coach Mauricio gave his best, but our ambitions demanded more,” Prapanca said at the unveiling held at Jakarta International Stadium.

Shin Tae-yong’s track record with Indonesia’s national teams is marked by progress, even if not silverware. Under his guidance, Indonesia qualified for three Asian Cups, reached the round of 16 at the 2023 edition, finished fourth at the 2024 U23 Asian Cup, advanced to the third round of the 2027 World Cup qualifiers, and secured a spot at the 2027 Asian Cup.

He also lifted Indonesia’s FIFA ranking from 173rd to 129th. After parting ways with the national team in January 2025, Shin served as Vice-President of the Korea Football Association for nearly a year, then as Director of Football at Seongnam FC. Most recently, he managed Ulsan HD, recording two wins, four draws, and four losses in 10 matches.

Persija’s decision signals both ambition and continuity, banking on Shin’s deep knowledge of Indonesian football and his proven ability to elevate teams on the international stage. ***