By: Jabir Ahmed *)
Following the Extraordinary Congress of The Indonesia Football Association (KLBI PSSI) which was held in mid-April 2015 in Surabaya, Minister of Youth and Sports, Imam Nahrawi, issued a decree freezing the PSSI and its all activities. Bad management, poor accomplishment of the national team during the last 5 years, cases of bribery and match-fixing are just some examples of management chaotics which later on caused a ban against PSSI.
On the other hand, La Nyalla Mattalitti who was elected as new Chairman of PSSI 2015 – 2019 said that the ministry has no authority to intervere PSSI because the organization simply just refers to FIFA as an independent governing body of international football association. He then warned that the decision could risk Indonesia a suspension not be able to participate in any international events.
La Nyalla’s response to refuse the ministry’s decision has been backed by football supporters in the country. Netizens supported the Bugis blooded man by using the hashtag #SaveLaNyalla which had become a trending topic on Twitter. A statement of the PSSI chairman when interviewed by a commercial TV emphasized on the claim that PSSI is not a subordinate of Youth and Sports Ministry. As quoted from Metrotvnews.com he said “We’re ready for another discussion, but not as if we were his men, because PSSI is a big organization and has already existed far before the ministry”.
Public of footbal fans in Indonesia have missed the achievement of the National football team which is professionally managed and fully supported by the state. Freezing PSSI would not gain so much refusal and massif critics as long as the decision is purely to promote Indonesia football. However, some said that the conflict between the two organisations is greatly influenced by political matters. It is interesting to wait how the issue of PSSI vs The Minsitry goes on, so let us see what happens in the near future.
*) The Author Is Jakarta Regional Contributor
