Indonesia recorded their first victory under Patrick Kluivert on Tuesday. With a home win over Bahrain, the World Cup remains within reach for Timnas, who have moved back into the top four of the Asian qualification group.
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Indonesia recorded their first victory under head coach Patrick Kluivert on Tuesday night with a crucial 1–0 win over Bahrain at a packed Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta.
More than 70,000 passionate supporters filled the stands to witness what could turn out to be a defining moment in Indonesian football history. This result not only brought much-needed confidence back to the team after a heavy defeat to Australia, but it also reignited hopes of qualifying for the World Cup a dream that has never before been realised in the nation’s history.
Coming into the match, the pressure on Indonesia was immense. The 3–0 loss to the Socceroos had left fans questioning whether the team had what it took to compete at this level. Kluivert, who took charge with the clear goal of reshaping the national team and taking it to new heights, knew that anything less than three points would be a massive blow. With no room for error, he made bold changes to the lineup four in total introducing fresh blood in an effort to shake things up. Joey Pelupessy was handed his first start, while Justin Hubner, Ragnar Oratmangoen, and Rizky Ridho also returned to the eleven.
Right from kickoff, the team showed greater urgency and composure than they had in Sydney. Indonesia started cautiously, feeling out their opponents, but quickly gained control of the match. Their approach became more assertive as the minutes passed, and midway through the first half, the breakthrough came. Ole Romeny, who had opened his international account in the previous game, was in the right place at the right time again. The forward timed his run perfectly to meet a smart pass from Marselino Ferdinan, his club teammate at Oxford United, and calmly slotted the ball past the Bahraini goalkeeper. The eruption of noise from the home crowd left no doubt about the importance of the goal not just in terms of the match, but for the country’s growing football ambitions.
After taking the lead, Indonesia could have built on their momentum. They created more opportunities and looked threatening on the break, but lacked the finishing touch to kill off the game. That missed clinical edge allowed Bahrain to grow into the contest in the second half. The visitors became more aggressive, pressing higher and committing more bodies forward in search of an equaliser. Several times they came close, testing Indonesia’s defensive structure and forcing goalkeeper Maarten Paes into action. The FC Dallas shot-stopper delivered a standout performance, making key saves and exuding calm in high-pressure moments.
Despite the second-half pressure, Indonesia also had chances to put the game to bed. Marselino, who had been influential in midfield and assisted the goal, squandered a golden opportunity when he blazed a shot over the bar from a promising position inside the box. It was a moment that could have sealed the win, but ultimately, it didn't come back to haunt the home side.
As the clock ticked down, Bahrain mounted a final push. With the heat and humidity taking their toll on both teams, it became a test of endurance and discipline. Indonesia, backed by their roaring supporters, dug deep. Defensive blocks, last-ditch tackles, and sheer determination kept Bahrain at bay until the final whistle, triggering scenes of celebration both on the pitch and in the stands.
This victory carries enormous significance. With three crucial points in the bag, Indonesia now find themselves back in the top four of their Asian qualification group a position that allows progression to the fourth round of AFC qualifying. While direct qualification may still be a step away, the path remains open, and the belief among players and fans alike has been renewed.
Under Patrick Kluivert, a man with deep international experience both as a player and coach, Indonesia’s national team is starting to take a clearer identity. There is structure, belief, and above all, hunger. The dream of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup once considered unrealistic is now alive and tangible. The road ahead remains tough, with stronger opponents still to come and consistency required in every match, but Tuesday night proved that Indonesia have both the talent and the determination to compete.
Whether or not they make it all the way to the World Cup, performances like this show a team growing in confidence and ambition. And for a football-loving nation that has waited decades for a breakthrough on the world stage, that in itself is a powerful and promising sign of progress.
Updated: 04:02, 25 Mar 2025
