The Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) concluded its 2025 Ordinary Congress at The Ritz-Carlton Jakarta with a series of transformative decisions poised to reshape the future of Indonesian football. The high-level meeting brought together representatives from national league clubs, provincial football associations, and international football bodies including FIFA, the AFC, and the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF).
Three major developments emerged from the congress: the appointment of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to PSSI’s Honorary Council, sweeping amendments to the federation’s statutes aimed at empowering regional football governance, and the formal ratification of name and domicile changes for seven member clubs.
In a move both symbolic and strategic, President Prabowo was named to PSSI’s Honorary Council. The decision was welcomed by PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir, who emphasized the importance of synergy between the federation and the government. “PSSI cannot walk alone,” Erick said. “With President Prabowo involved, we expect stronger institutional support to accelerate the transformation of Indonesian football.”
The congress also ratified significant revisions to the PSSI statutes—the first since 2019—designed to decentralize football development. Under the new framework, Provincial Football Associations (Asprov) will take on a more prominent role in nurturing talent at the grassroots level. “These changes signify that the responsibility for football development no longer rests solely with the federation,” Erick explained. “Asprov will now be the front line in building football from the bottom up.”
The revised statutes also enable more flexible organization of regional competitions, including the long-anticipated Liga 4, and pave the way for city- and regency-level leagues to serve as feeder systems into Liga 3.
Another major outcome of the congress was the approval of identity and domicile changes for seven PSSI member clubs. Bhayangkara Presisi Indonesia FC, recently promoted to Liga 1, has officially rebranded as Bhayangkara Presisi Lampung FC and relocated from South Jakarta to Bandar Lampung. Persikas Subang has become Sumsel United, shifting its base from West Java to Palembang following its acquisition by South Sumatra Vice-Governor Cik Ujang. Tornado FC Pekanbaru, now owned by Central Java businessman Junianto and his son Fardan Nandana, has moved to Kendal and rebranded as Kendal Tornado FC.
Other rebrands include PS Maluku, which has merged with the newly formed Kediri United and will now be based in East Java for the upcoming Liga 4 season. Sumut United, previously based in Medan, has transferred its playing license to Liga 4 club Persikad 1999, ensuring Depok remains represented in Liga 2 following Dejan FC’s relegation. NZR Sumbersari, acquired by Persikutim East Kutai, has relocated from Malang to East Kalimantan and will compete as Persikutim United. Lastly, PSKC Cimahi has transformed into Garudayaksa FC and moved to Bekasi Regency, following a full takeover by the Garudayaksa Football Academy—an institution owned by President Prabowo and previously the club’s main sponsor.
Chairman Erick Thohir closed the congress by underlining PSSI’s continued commitment to unity and inclusive reform. “This congress is not the finish line—it’s the starting point,” he said. “We will continue touring the regions to strengthen alignment and ensure that all stakeholders are part of this transformation.”
With new identities, empowered regions, and a stronger institutional partnership with the government, Indonesian football heads into the 2025/26 season with renewed purpose and bold ambitions.