Indonesia National Team Opts for Police Complex Training Base, Herdman Prioritizes Tactical Secrecy

PSSI has officially appointed STIK Stadium (Police Science College) in the Melawai area, South Jakarta, as the exclusive training base for the Indonesian National Team during the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026. This decision responds to a special request from coach John Herdman, who desired a closed training facility supported by tactical technology devices.

PSSI Chairman, Erick Thohir, revealed that Herdman requires an area that allows for the permanent installation of analytical tools. "Perhaps Coach John Herdman requested a field that could be used for tactical purposes. He will place equipment on the training ground that cannot be simply moved and installed," Erick Thohir stated in his remarks.

The reason behind this request is not merely for comfort. The tactical support devices used by Herdman require at least one hour for installation before a training session begins. In a tight tournament schedule, this time becomes a valuable commodity that cannot be wasted on field logistics.

Being within a police complex offers a dual advantage: a training area sterile from opponent surveillance and public crowds. The secrecy of strategic formulations becomes a priority amidst a competition where teams' preparation levels are increasingly balanced.

Although STIK Stadium is fully sealed off for the Indonesian National Team, PSSI ensures that opposing teams will still receive representative training facilities. AB Senayan Field and Madya Stadium are allocated as alternating venues for other participating nations. Both fields are considered to be of good quality and are accustomed to being used by world-class teams when training in Jakarta.

"We want to ensure all teams receive adequate facilities, but the tactical needs of the Indonesian National Team remain a priority," Erick Thohir emphasized.

Erick Thohir also highlighted the seriousness of Southeast Asian nations in welcoming the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026. Malaysia and Vietnam are reportedly continuously strengthening their teams, including through naturalized players. This phenomenon indicates that regional competition is no longer just about the quality of local players, but also about development strategies and thorough preparation.

For Indonesia, the selection of a training base within a police complex can be interpreted as an effort to create a controlled training ecosystem. This approach aligns with global trends where elite teams utilize analytical technology to maximize every session. Herdman, known for his coaching background with a data-driven approach, seemingly wants to ensure no tactical details leak before matches.

This decision also raises questions about the extent to which investment in training facilities affects on-field performance. If successful, this model could become a blueprint for national team preparations in future tournaments. Conversely, if the results do not meet expectations, the public will question the effectiveness of resource expenditure for exclusive facilities.

What is clear is that PSSI's move demonstrates that the Indonesian National Team's preparation is no longer conventional. With the support of tactical devices and an isolated location, Herdman has the space to implement strategies without disturbance. Now, it's up to the players to translate these formulations into tangible results on the field.