Patrick Kluivert Officially Arrives in Indonesia as National Team Coach

Jakarta – Patrick Kluivert has officially landed in Indonesia to take on his new role as the head coach of the Indonesian national football team. The former Dutch striker arrived at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at 6:10 PM and is set to be officially introduced in a ceremony at Hotel Mulia the following day.

Kluivert embarked on his journey from Schiphol Airport on Friday, January 10, 2025, at 8:30 PM local time, taking KLM flight 809, which arrived in Jakarta early Saturday morning.

Before departing, Kluivert briefly interacted with the media at Schiphol Airport, where he signed a Garuda jersey and warmly greeted a tvOne reporter, Gego Sallatu. “Thank you,” Kluivert expressed in appreciation of the warm welcome.

Optimistic About Leading Indonesia to the World Cup

Taking on the challenge of guiding Indonesia towards qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Kluivert conveyed his enthusiasm and optimism.

“I’m very excited and positive. Of course, I’m optimistic. Coaching a great country with talented players is a challenge, but I embrace challenges,” Kluivert stated.

Unlike expectations, Kluivert arrived with only one companion, while his appointed assistants, Alex Pastoor and Denny Landzaat, were not seen at the arrival.

“I love Indonesia,” Kluivert concluded in a brief statement before heading to his accommodations.

The Importance of National Support

In a previous interview with renowned football journalist Fabrizio Romano, Kluivert emphasized the importance of national support in achieving success. The 48-year-old coach acknowledged the passion of Indonesian football fans and the high expectations surrounding his appointment.

“Indonesia has a passionate football culture and immense love for the game. Being part of such a great nation with big aspirations is both an honor and a huge responsibility,” said Kluivert.

“I’m eager to contribute to the team’s growth and success. I can’t wait to work with everyone to achieve our mission of qualifying for the World Cup. We have the talent, strength, and determination to reach our goals. However, this also requires the full support of the Indonesian people. Together, we can accomplish great things.”

He further highlighted the significance of teamwork beyond just the players and coaching staff.

“Football is a collective effort where every element plays a role. A team isn’t just about the coach, players, or staff—it’s also about the supporters. They are an essential part of this journey. We are all united for one mission, one team, and I am honored to be part of it.”

PSSI Chairman Backs Kluivert’s Appointment

Meanwhile, PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir addressed concerns regarding Kluivert’s limited experience at the senior level, emphasizing that managing the locker room atmosphere is more crucial than prior managerial experience.

Throughout his coaching career, Kluivert has only managed the Curaçao national team and Turkish club Adana Demirspor. However, Thohir compared his situation to that of Zinedine Zidane, who thrived as Real Madrid’s coach despite lacking extensive managerial experience beforehand.

“To prioritize European influence, I considered several Dutch candidates. I also interviewed coaches from Spain and Italy, but cultural differences could pose challenges,” Thohir explained.

“Some have questioned Patrick’s coaching track record. Many great coaches, like Zidane, started without prior managerial experience yet succeeded. A coach doesn’t always have to be purely tactical—what’s more important is their ability to maintain harmony within the locker room. That’s the key,” Thohir added.

To support Kluivert in his role, PSSI has appointed Alex Pastoor and Denny Landzaat as his assistant coaches.

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