Indonesian Football Icon Dede Sulaeman Passes Away at 69

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesian football is mourning the loss of one of its iconic figures. Dede Sulaeman, a former striker of the Indonesian national team, passed away on Sunday evening, January 25, 2026, at around 7:00 p.m. local time. He collapsed while playing football during a fun football match at Betos Field in Bekasi, West Java, leaving the world in the very setting that had defined his life.

Reports said Dede had just scored a goal moments before he suddenly fell unconscious, allegedly due to exhaustion. He was rushed to Siloam Hospital in Bekasi, but medical efforts were unsuccessful. He was pronounced dead from cardiac arrest at the age of 69.

Born in Jakarta on May 8, 1956, Dede Sulaeman was one of Indonesia’s most prominent footballers during the 1970s and 1980s. Known for his sharp instincts as a striker, he was a mainstay of the Indonesian national team in his era.

Dede began his professional career in the Perserikatan competition with Persija Jakarta, where he enjoyed significant success. He helped the club win the Soeratin Cup in 1974 and the Perserikatan title in 1979. His career later continued in the Galatama League, where he once again stood out by finishing as top scorer with 17 goals.

On the international stage, Dede played a key role in Indonesia’s campaign during the 1986 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifiers. In the 1985 AFC Zone qualification, Indonesia topped Group 3B of Zone B, advancing ahead of Thailand, India, and Bangladesh.

One of the most memorable moments of his career came in the second round against South Korea at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium. Dede scored a crucial goal in the 87th minute, an effort that remains etched in the nation’s football memory, despite Indonesia eventually losing the match 4-1.

At the height of his career, Dede made the unexpected decision to retire early at the age of 30 to focus on his professional career at Indonesia’s state-owned energy company, Pertamina.

Although he stepped away from competitive football, his involvement in the sport never truly ended. Dede continued contributing as a youth scout and grassroots football mentor, offering insights to coaches and helping nurture young talent. He also regularly played recreational football, including appearances at the 2018 Trofeo Cup in Jakarta.

“I did not pursue coaching because of my office responsibilities, but I stayed in close contact with my friends who became coaches and offered input whenever needed,” he once said.

Dede Sulaeman’s body was laid to rest at his family home in the Pertamina Persahabatan Complex, Rawamangun, East Jakarta. His burial is scheduled for Monday, January 26, 2026, after the midday prayer.

His passing marks the end of a remarkable journey, but his legacy endures. From domestic glory to international stages, from historic goals to youth development, Dede Sulaeman will forever be remembered as one of the pillars of Indonesian football history. ***