Jakarta – Deputy Chairman of House of Representatives Commission X, Then Hardian Irfani, affirmed support for Erick Thohir to continue leading PSSI despite his recent appointment as Minister of Youth and Sports (Menpora) by President Prabowo Subianto.
Hardian stated Commission X congratulates Thohir on his new role as Menpora,expressing confidence in the President’s choice. “We believe that anyone chosen by the President is the best figure to help run priority programs in sports and youth,” Hardian said in a statement on Friday, September 19, 2025.
He emphasized Thohir’s demonstrated capacity to manage both positions, citing the positive transformation within national football under Thohir’s leadership, including the Indonesian national team’s qualification for the fourth round of the 2026 Asian Zone qualifying. “There is no regulation that requires Erick Thohir to withdraw from the position of PSSI Chairperson. Actually, we see the importance of giving space for him to complete the big mission to bring the Indonesian national team to the World Cup stage,” Hardian added.
Representing the National Awakening Party faction,Hardian also stressed the importance of continuity in the national sports design (DBON),particularly for sports prioritized for international competitions like the SEA Games,Asian Games,and Olympics. He urged the new Menpora to prioritize these events to elevate Indonesian sports on the global stage.