Muhammad Ardiansyah threatens Ernando Ari’s position in Indonesia national team

Based on recent performance, Ernando Ari’s position as Indonesia national team goalkeeper is under threat with the emergence of Muhammad Ardiansyah from PSM Makassar — a keeper who demonstrates different qualities in ball control.

Ernando Ari, who currently plays for Persebaya Surabaya, experienced a difficult moment while guarding Indonesia’s goal in the 2026 World Cup Qualification match against Iraq. Poor ball distribution and footwork resulted in Ali Jassim’s second goal — a mistake that nearly repeated in the match against Philippines.

Currently, the national team goalkeeper hierarchy places Maarten Paes and Emil Audero Mulyadi above Ernando Ari. Meanwhile, Muhammad Ardiansyah, who has never been called up to any national team level, begins showing his potential with the U-23 team.