President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said on Monday he was deeply concerned over Indonesia's humiliating 10-0 loss to Bahrain in last week's World Cup qualifying match, which he said had been linked to the prolonged conflicts within the Indonesia Soccer Association (PSSI).
"Look at the young Garuda, who won last night. We actually have potential youngsters. But, after the loss to Bahrain, I immediately looked for information on what had been going on in our soccer world," the President told journalists at the State Palace.
Yudhoyono was referring to the Indonesia U-21 national team's 3-0 victory over the Philippines in the Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy match in Brunei Darussalam on Sunday night.
"While the people are actually enjoying the rebound of our sports achievements in the last SEA Games, they have been burdened with bad news concerning protracted conflicts and infighting. I'm telling you, please don't ignore the voice of the people for your own interests," Yudhoyono said.
The chaotic domestic soccer situation has been ongoing for months and resulted in the formation of two top-tier leagues: the Indonesian Super League (ISL) and the PSSI-sanctioned Indonesian Premier League (IPL).
The association issued a regulation barring players who play in the ISL competition from joining the national squad.
Many have blamed this as a significant factor behind Indonesia's devastating loss to Bahrain, given that most of Indonesia's best players play in the ISL.
"I have received numerous text messages asking me to intervene to end the disputes. But I have limitations. Government intervention may end up with a ban by FIFA," he said.
"Please PSSI, how long will you keep fighting each other? Don't respond to people's huge expectations for our soccer teams by presenting such a never-ending conflict. Put the national interests ahead of everything else," Yudhoyono added.
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