RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the development of national football by targeting the Indonesian National Team to compete in the 2030 World Cup. The Minister of Youth and Sports, Erick Thohir conveyed this commitment while reading President Prabowo Subianto's speech at the opening of the PSSI Ordinary Congress 2026 in Jakarta, Monday, August 3, 2026.

According to the Minister, President Prabowo views Indonesia as a great nation that must have courage and high aspirations in sports, including achieving the target of participating in the world's biggest football event. The government, he said, will continue to support the steps of the PSSI and the Indonesian National Team to achieve that target.

"I believe Indonesia deserves to participate in the 2030 World Cup. It's not an easy task, but we must strive as hard as possible." The government will continue to provide full support for the hard work of PSSI and the Indonesian National Team," Erick said, reading the President's speech.

In addition to targeting qualification for the 2030 World Cup, the government is also requesting the preparation of a blueprint for the development of the Indonesian National Team as a direction for the sustainable development of national football. This support will be realized thru funding, infrastructure development, early childhood training, improvement of sports human resources quality, and policies that support the advancement of national football.

Erick said that football is not only a platform for sports competition but also plays an important role in building the character of the nation and strengthening the unity of Indonesian society.

"Every time the Indonesian National Team competes, we see Merah Putih able to unite all the people of Indonesia. There are no longer any differences in ethnicity, religion, region, or background; there is only one identity: Indonesia. Football is the force that unites the nation," he explained.

He added that the success of achieving the 2030 World Cup target requires collaboration from all stakeholders, including the government, PSSI, clubs, academies, coaches, players, the business world, media, and supporters. According to him, that synergy is the key to building Indonesian football that is professional, has integrity, and excels on the world stage.

Thru the PSSI Ordinary Congress 2026, the government hopes that all stakeholders can strengthen collaboration and maintain the spirit of mutual cooperation in building national football. This step is expected to serve as a foundation for Indonesia's efforts to enhance sports competitiveness and strengthen its position on the international football stage.