Local coach crisis in Liga 1: No domestic names for 2025/26 season

Indonesian football faces a concerning situation — not a single local coach will lead a Liga 1 club in the 2025/26 season.

Last season only had three domestic coaches in the country’s top football division. Muhammad Ridwan who managed PSIS — a relegated club, and Ricky Nelson from Persija who has now returned to an assistant coach position.

Imran Nahumarury — the only permanent head coach from Indonesia last season — was recently dismissed from Malut United for serious violations, despite leading the club to a top-three finish.

Experienced local coaches such as:

• Rahmad Darmawan
• Aji Santoso
• Widodo C Putro

are now out of Liga 1 competition, although Malut United promises to appoint a local coach as Imran’s replacement.