Persija Dominates BRI Super League, Five Players Called Up to Indonesian National Team for FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026

Persija Jakarta has started the BRI Super League 2026/2027 season with three consecutive wins, scoring four goals and conceding only once. This record makes the Kemayoran Tigers the biggest contributor of players to the Indonesian National Team for the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026, with five names called up by coach John Herdman: Nadeo Argawinata, Rizky Ridho, Donny Tri Pamungkas, Rayhan Hannan, and Jordi Amat.

Persija's dominance at the club level is directly proportional to Herdman's trust. The five players are considered ready to elevate the Garuda's performance in the tournament, which will be held at Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium. Indonesia is in Group A alongside Bangladesh, Malaysia, and Singapore, and will host Division 1.

Jordi Amat, a center-back who previously played for Swansea City and Real Betis, expressed his enthusiasm. "We are very happy to be included in the squad. I look forward to joining the Indonesian National Team and know this is a big tournament for all of us," he said. He emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and physical condition ahead of the training camp.

Although the match against Malaysia is a highlight, Jordi reminded that Singapore must be faced first. "Playing against Malaysia will be amazing, it's been a long time. But before that, we have to face Singapore," he added. The last senior-level encounter between Indonesia and Malaysia occurred in the AFF Cup 2020, where Indonesia won 4-1 with Shin Tae-yong as coach.

"I hope their injury recovery goes well. We will definitely miss their presence. However, things like this are common. It's sad, but I think we now have a great team and are really looking forward to joining the team this Monday," said Jordi Amat.

The Indonesian National Team will be without several important names such as Marc Klok, Sandy Walsh, Eliano Reijnders, and captain Jay Idzes. Idzes suffered a left thigh injury while playing for Sassuolo against Juventus in Serie A. Although Sassuolo won 3-2, Idzes was substituted in the 80th minute and diagnosed with a moderate quadriceps muscle injury in his left leg. Jordi hopes his teammates' recovery goes smoothly.

Herdman's decision to call up five Persija players can be seen as an effort to build a game foundation from a club that is currently on fire. With the majority of players coming from one club, chemistry is expected to form more quickly. However, the absence of key players like Idzes and Klok remains a challenge, especially in the defense and midfield.

For the Indonesian public, the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 is not just a regional tournament. This event serves as a benchmark for the Garuda's readiness ahead of larger competitions, as well as testing the squad's depth amidst a packed schedule. Direct support at Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium will be an additional factor.

The big question is: can Indonesia capitalize on the momentum and current player composition to dominate the group, or will they lose valuable points due to the absence of several key players? The answer will be revealed in the coming weeks.