Indonesia might have to pay nearly $5M in compensation to coach Kluivert and staff

Kluivert signed a two-year deal running to January 2027 but was dismissed after 10 months when Indonesia exited in the fourth round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. He arrived with a crew of 10 people.

Kompas reported that PSSI may owe roughly $4.8 million in total compensation, including about $2.3 million to Kluivert for the remaining 15 months. The final figure will depend on termination clauses. If the contract allowed dismissal for failing to meet the target of World Cup qualification, compensation could be reduced or waived.

Kluivert announced his departure in a statement on Instagram on Friday, saying that he was disappointed to miss the World Cup but proud of the team’s efforts, and thanking fans, players, colleagues and PSSI president Erick Thohir.

Brought in to replace coach Shin Tae-yong, the former Dutch football star was expected to connect naturally with Indonesia’s Dutch-born naturalized players. Results and performances, however, did not improve. Under Kluivert, Indonesia conceded 15 goals in six World Cup qualifying matches, including heavy defeats to Australia (1–5) and Japan (0–6), and scored only five goals, with three from penalties. The short tenure places Kluivert among the 10 shortest managerial spells with Indonesia and increases pressure on PSSI boss Thohir.

Critics said the team lacked a clear playing style, the lineup changed too frequently and opponents were not analyzed carefully.

Pundit Dede Sulaiman told tvOneNews that Kluivert showed no consistent tactical identity and struggled with selection and scouting.

Analyst Gusnul Yakin urged PSSI to reflect on the decision to dismiss coach Shin, arguing that the foundations laid under the previous stint were undone by the swift coaching change.

"We have to be honest and acknowledge that coach Shin has worked hard to lay the foundation for Indonesian football," Yakin told Bola. "Because of someone I don't know, the project collapsed after appointing Kluivert."

House of Representatives member Andre Rosiade called for a comprehensive review of Indonesia’s 2026 qualifying campaign, warning that delays would fuel public frustration and stressing the need to correct hiring processes and reset long-term plans.

Local media have mentioned several candidates to replace Kluivert. Detik reported that former Uzbekistan coach Timur Kapadze, former Iraq coach Jesús Casas, ex-PSM Makassar boss Bernardo Tavares and Dutch coaches Mark van Bommel, Erik ten Hag and Phillip Cocu are the potential names, while Bola added former Indonesia U23 coach Luis Milla and Dewa United’s Jan Olde Riekerink.