Indonesian media, public call for coach Kluivert's sacking after World Cup failure

Indonesia (red jersey) lost 0-1 to Iraq in the 2026 World Cup fourth qualifying round at King Abdullah Stadium, Saudi Arabia on Oct. 11, 2025. Photo by AP

In an analysis after Indonesia's 0-1 defeat to Iraq on Oct. 11, Suara pointed to Kluivert as the main reason for the team's failure.

"The tactics used were ineffective in breaking Iraq's disciplined defense," the newspaper wrote. "His substitutions in the second half brought no significant change. Kluivert insisted on the 4-2-3-1 formation, which has repeatedly proven unsuitable for Indonesia both offensively and defensively."

Kluivert, one of Europe's top strikers in the 1990s and early 2000s, previously played for major clubs like Ajax, Barcelona, AC Milan and Newcastle. He earned 79 caps for the Netherlands, scoring 40 goals and finishing as the top scorer at Euro 2000.

After retirement, he worked as the assistant coach for the Netherlands national team from 2012 to 2014, football director for PSG from 2016 to 2017 and advisor for football academies.

Appointed Indonesia's head coach in June as part of the country's plan to inject Dutch players into the team, Kluivert has since overseen three wins, one draw and four losses, including heavy defeats to Australia (1-5) and Japan (0-6). His tenure contrasts sharply with that of former coach Shin Tae-yong, under whom Indonesia drew 1-1 and won 2-0 against Saudi Arabia.

The defeat to Iraq fueled the online campaign #KluivertOut, which generated more than 33,000 tweets on Oct. 12. Many fans also criticized PSSI president Erick Thohir and call for his dismissal, followed by tweets related to his role in firing coach Shin earlier this year.

A screenshot of coach Patrick Kluivert after Indonesia's elimination at the 2026 World Cup qualifiers

"PSSI prioritized quick results over the long-term process that Shin emphasized," Suara commented. "Expectations soared after Kluivert's arrival and the addition of new naturalized players, but the results have been disappointing."

According to the newspaper, PSSI faces two options: either sack Kluivert and find a world-class replacement, or retain him on the condition that he delivers strong results at the 2027 Asian Cup.

Indonesia's weak attack was also criticized. Suara noted that both goals scored in the fourth qualifying round, against Saudi Arabia came from penalties converted by defender Kevin Diks. Coach Kluivert's choice of 21-year-old striker Mauro Zijlstra, who started both matches, was also questioned.

The game was decided when a personal mistake by center-back Rizky Ridho led to the only goal, scored by Iraq's Zidane Iqbal in the 76th minute.

Indonesian media also criticized referee Ma Ning for several "unfavorable" decisions, including a denied penalty after Diks was struck in the face by Zaid Tahseen in stoppage time.

Dutch outlet Voetbal described the moment as "a strange call that robbed Indonesia of a penalty."

Former Indonesia striker Cristian Gonzales also expressed anger on Instagram: "One man destroyed the dream of 270 million people. It's as if the match had no VAR."

Bola praised the team's overall journey, calling it "a story filled with passion, pride, and hope for Indonesian football."

Indonesia began their World Cup qualifying campaign in October 2023 and ended two years later in Saudi Arabia with eight wins, four draws, and eight losses across 20 matches.