Awan Setho Raharjo, the Local Goalkeeper Holding His Ground Amid a Flood of Foreign Players in the BRI Super League

Bhayangkara FC goalkeeper Awan Setho Raharjo is proving that local players can still compete in the BRI Super League 2026/2027. Amid a policy that allows up to 11 foreign players per team, the 29-year-old goalkeeper remains the first choice between the posts for The Guardians.

The regulation has narrowed the chances for local players to appear as starters. As in previous seasons, the BRI Super League this season is still dominated by foreign players. This situation places Awan Setho among the few local players able to break into the starting XI on a regular basis.

Awan Setho's performances in the first three matches of this season have been impressive. He helped Bhayangkara FC secure a 1-1 draw against Persebaya Surabaya at Stadion Sumpah Pemuda, Bandar Lampung, then held Dewa United to a 2-2 draw away from home. The highlight came when he kept a clean sheet as The Guardians beat Isenmulang FC 2-0, the team's first win of the season.

Bhayangkara FC's management showed high appreciation through the club's official social media. "3 matches, 270 minutes played!" the club wrote, underlining its trust in the Semarang-born goalkeeper.

Awan Setho's journey with Bhayangkara FC is no overnight story. Joining in 2017, he was initially only the third-choice goalkeeper behind Wahyu Tri Nugroho and Rully Desrian. But his hard work paid off: he gradually rose to the first-choice spot, and was even called up to the Indonesia U-23 and senior national teams. Now, he is fully focused on defending The Guardians.

"Awan Setho Raharjo is not just the Spiderman we rely on in battle, but also a living legend," the Bhayangkara FC management praised.

Awan Setho's presence is an oasis amid the strong current of foreign players in Indonesian football. The regulation allowing teams to field many imported players does raise the quality of the competition, but on the other hand it threatens local players' minutes. In this context, the goalkeeper position has been hit hardest because teams usually opt for experienced foreign keepers. So Awan Setho's consistent performances are not only important for the club, but also a symbol of local players' resistance.

For Indonesia, Awan Setho's story offers hope that youth development remains relevant. If more local players can show quality like his, dependence on foreign players can be reduced gradually. This also affects the Indonesia national team, which needs a stock of quality goalkeepers for international competition.

Going forward, Awan Setho's challenge grows heavier. Bhayangkara FC is targeting a top-three finish, and his consistency will be tested throughout the season. Can he maintain his brilliant form and take The Guardians to the upper reaches of the table? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Awan Setho Raharjo has proven that local players still have a place on the main stage of Indonesian football.