By M Khaidar Khamzah, Editor at The Nusantara Times
Published: March 25, 2025
The Nusantara Times — Jakarta, March 25, 2025 — Indonesia bolstered its chances of advancing in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Bahrain in Jakarta on Tuesday. The result sees them move three points clear of their opponents and China in Group C.
Head coach Patrick Kluivert secured his first win since taking charge of the national team, bouncing back from a heavy 5-1 defeat to Australia in his debut match last Thursday.
The decisive moment of the match came in the 24th minute, when Ole Romeny latched onto a precise pass from Marselino Ferdinan, slotting the ball past Bahrain’s goalkeeper with a composed first-time finish.
Despite a late surge from Bahrain in the second half, Indonesia’s defense held firm. Substitute Tijjani Reijnders had an opportunity to double the lead but fired high and wide, leaving the home side to endure a nervy closing period.
Group C Standings Tighten
Elsewhere in Group C, Japan, who have already secured their spot at next year’s tournament, were held to a goalless draw by third-placed Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, Australia strengthened their hold on second place with a 2-0 victory over China in Beijing.
With the win, Indonesia remains in fourth place, three points clear of Bahrain and China, who both sit at the bottom of the six-team group. The stakes remain high, as the top two teams from the group qualify automatically for the World Cup, while the third and fourth-placed teams advance to a playoff. The fifth and sixth-placed teams face elimination from the qualification process.
A Historic Quest
Indonesia’s pursuit of a World Cup berth carries deep historical significance. Their only prior appearance on football’s biggest stage came in 1938, when they competed as the Dutch East Indies—seven years before gaining independence from the Netherlands.
With this victory, Kluivert and his squad edge closer to making history once again, as they fight for a place among Asia’s elite in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
