PSSI Executive Committee member Arya Sinulingga responded to the concerns of the President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto because the Indonesian national team has not yet managed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Prabowo expressed this concern at the launch of the Mandatory B50 Biodiesel Program at Rest Area KM 57, Karawang Regency.
"Yes, it's clear that Mr. Prabowo is looking for the General Chairperson, Mr. Erick, and also directly looking for the Minister of Finance. This means he also knows that Minister of Finance, Mr. Purbaya, needs to support Indonesian football with funds from the state budget," Arya said at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Jakarta, Friday, when met by media crews after attending the ceremony to send off the Indonesian youth football team to Sweden for the 2026 Gothia Cup.
"That's clear, because that's how he is. So we need support like that from the Minister of Finance, funding," he added.
The President admitted that he still feels uneasy and dissatisfied even though Indonesia has been able to implement the B50 biodiesel program, because the Indonesian national football team has not succeeded in qualifying for the four-yearly football event.
According to him, football is part of the nation's honor, so efforts to bring Indonesia to the World Cup require serious attention.
"What's still difficult for us is getting into the World Cup. Well, I'm still... So, I'm worried, frankly, I'm worried. We can be B50 but not get into the World Cup, I'm still not satisfied," Prabowo said in his speech.
