Local coach crisis in Liga 1: No Indonesian representatives this season

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

Imran Nahumarury — the only remaining Indonesian coach in the top competition — has been released by Malut United before preseason begins. Last season, local coach presence was already very limited with only two caretaker coaches:

• Muhammad Ridwan
• Ricky Nelson

This situation contrasts sharply with the presence of Malaysian coach Ong Kim Swee, who has earned trust in Liga 1. The former Malaysian national team coach now manages Persik Kediri after previously coaching Persis Solo.

This crisis is also reflected at the national team level, where not a single local coach is included in the Indonesian national team coaching staff.