John Herdman Moves Training Camp to Bali, PSSI Under Scrutiny Over Plan B

The cancellation of two planned trial fixtures for the Indonesia National Football Team against Jordan and Kuwait during the November 2026 FIFA Matchday has raised critical questions over PSSI's preparatory planning. Security instability across the Middle East was cited as the official reason for the schedule change. However, the failure to secure replacement international opponents has sparked public criticism: why did PSSI not prepare a backup Plan B from the very start?

John Herdman instead adjusted the programme to hold an official training camp in Bali between 9–17 November 2026, with 22 players formally called up for this camp.

This issue was the central discussion topic on the ITSMe podcast, recorded at Sentul Studio, Bogor on Thursday (12/11/2026). Hosted by Gilang Respaty and Pudila, the session featured Football Analysts Ronny Pangemanan and Sapto Haryo Rajasa.

PSSI Criticised For Over-Reliance On Primary Plans

For Ronny Pangemanan, the decision to cancel the matches on security grounds is objectively reasonable. Even so, he questioned why no fallback arrangements had been prepared to still secure official international fixtures during the window.

Ronny noted that FIFA Matchday calendars are confirmed and published many months in advance. PSSI should have prepared multiple opponent and venue options, such that the collapse of one arrangement would not derail the entire Match Schedule.

Regional neighbours including the Philippines and Vietnam could have been considered as standby opponents. Indonesia also held the option of hosting fixtures in Bali, or arranging neutral away fixtures in other stable countries.

Ronny additionally highlighted that Australia successfully preserved their own scheduled match against Jordan by rapidly negotiating to relocate the fixture to Doha, Qatar.

PSSI did make last-minute approaches to several nations including Hong Kong, but insufficient remaining time meant no formal agreements could be finalised.

For Ronny, official FIFA Matchday windows are far too valuable to waste. Beyond testing on-pitch tactics and player form, recognised international matches also allow teams to accumulate official FIFA Ranking points.

Sapto: Bali Training Camp Is An Opportunity To Assess Squad Depth

Sapto Haryo Rajasa framed the situation from an alternate perspective. He argued that FIFA Ranking points gained from matches against fellow Southeast Asian sides would not deliver a meaningful long-term ranking boost in any case.

He also stated that the current FIFA Ranking of Indonesia does not accurately reflect the squad's actual competitive ability, noting that the team should realistically be positioned around 80th place globally.

The postponement of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup also shifted the priorities for the Indonesia National Team preparation schedule. Prior to the cancellations, the Garuda Squad had planned an acclimatisation camp in Saudi Arabia ahead of travelling to Jordan for the friendly fixtures.

Following the Asian Cup's reschedule from January 2027 to December 2027, this pre-acclimatisation plan became entirely irrelevant.

Sapto argued that the Bali camp instead gives Herdman a valuable low-pressure chance to evaluate fringe and backup players, particularly with several regular first team players omitted from this call up.

Marukawa And Arlyansyah Under Close Observation

Of the 22 called up players, several names have attracted particular public and media attention: Alfharezzi Buffon, Alta Ballah, Noah Adnan, Taisei Marukawa, Zanadin Fariz, and Arlyansyah Abdulmanan.

This marks Arlyansyah's first ever senior national team call up. Ronny noted this opportunity presents a defining test for the young Persija Jakarta player to prove his quality directly to Herdman.

Sapto highlighted Marukawa for his consistent high-quality domestic performances, noting that Indonesia desperately requires creative players capable of adding variation to the team's attacking build up play.

Rafael Struick was also noted for clear measurable improvements in his game, most notably his physical conditioning. Meanwhile Shayne Pattynama still retains the technical attributes Herdman requires, despite limited regular playing minutes at his European club.

To supplement player evaluations, Herdman has arranged a closed-door friendly match against local side Bali United. This fixture will allow coaching staff to assess players in proper match conditions, though as a non-international fixture it will not award any FIFA ranking points.

March And June Windows Present Next Critical Opportunities

Following this November window, the next official FIFA Matchdays will be held in March and June 2027. Ronny has urged PSSI to begin formal preparations for these windows immediately, including locking in tentative opponents and host venues well in advance.

These upcoming windows will be critical to develop the squad ahead of upcoming international commitments, and final preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup Qualification campaign.

While the Bali training camp will still deliver tangible benefits for Herdman to identify emerging talent and build squad depth, the failure to secure international fixtures this November must be treated as a critical formal learning point for PSSI.

It is acceptable for a primary Plan A to fall through due to circumstances outside one's control. But planning for the Indonesia National Team must always, without exception, include a robust fallback Plan B.