Indonesia Wins FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026, Kas Hartadi Recalls 1991 Drama: A Perfect Deja Vu
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- Timnas Indonesia menaklukkan Thailand melalui adu penalti 4-2 setelah skor 2-2 bertahan hingga perpanjangan waktu di SUGBK.
- Kemenangan ini mengulang skenario final SEA Games 1991 Manila, di mana Indonesia juga mengalahkan Thailand lewat drama penalti.
- Kas Hartadi menyebut keberhasilan ini sebagai euforia luar biasa dan menilai Ole Romeny menjadi pembeda di lini depan.
The Indonesia national team ended its long wait for a senior title by winning the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 after beating Thailand 4-2 on penalties at Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, Jakarta, Monday (5/10/2026) night WIB. The match was dramatic: Indonesia trailed 1-2, equalized to 2-2 in extra time, before sealing victory from the spot.
For Kas Hartadi, a former Indonesia national team player, the moment stirred memories from 35 years ago. He was part of the squad that won the gold medal at the 1991 SEA Games in Manila, the Philippines, when Indonesia also defeated Thailand on penalties with a 4-3 score. "The final was also against Thailand then and the penalty shootout drama was almost exactly the same," he told Bola.com, Tuesday (6/10/2026).
This victory is not just a trophy. It marks the revival of Indonesian football at the senior level after a long drought of international titles. Under John Herdman, the Garuda squad showed a never-give-up mentality, especially after falling behind in the crucial minutes. Kas assessed Indonesia's dominance throughout the match as nearly perfect, despite a dip in focus at the end of the game. "Overall the national team dominated, it was only in the final minutes that focus and concentration were lost," he said.
Kas Hartadi, who now holds an AFC Pro license, highlighted Ole Romeny's performance. According to him, the striker was a scourge for Thailand's back line. "Ole Romeny played well up front, he troubled Thailand's defense," said the coach from Solo. Romeny was indeed one of the keys to Indonesia's quick transitions, especially in extra time.
The euphoria of this victory was also felt by the national football public. Kas said this title was on par with the 1991 SEA Games success. "The euphoria is extraordinary, the joy of winning the 1991 SEA Games is the same as the first FIFA ASEAN Cup," he said. He also urged the players to stay humble and continue to bring honor to Indonesia's name on the international stage.
Going forward, the challenge for the Indonesia national team is to maintain consistency. This title can be a foundation toward bigger tournaments, such as the Asian Cup and World Cup qualifiers. However, there is still homework: transition management, squad depth, and a winning mentality that must be sustained. Can Indonesia turn this moment into a turning point toward higher achievements?
