Timnas Indonesia have ended a 35-year wait for a senior international trophy after defeating Thailand in a dramatic FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 final at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta on Monday, 5 October.
Indonesia secured the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup title after a 4-2 victory on penalties, following a 2-2 draw after 120 minutes. The result marked the national team’s first senior tournament title since winning gold at the 1991 SEA Games.
The final was far from straightforward. Indonesia took the lead through Dean James in the 84th minute, only for Thailand to respond shortly afterwards through Iklas Sanron. Thailand then moved ahead in extra time when Peeradol Chamrasamee scored in the 111th minute.
With only a few minutes remaining, Elkan Baggott restored Indonesia’s hopes with an equaliser in the 116th minute. The match then went to penalties, where Kevin Diks, Dean James, Elkan Baggott and Shayne Pattynama all converted their attempts. Emil Audero also produced a crucial save as Indonesia won 4-2.
CNN Indonesia described the final as a match that left Garuda supporters on edge twice, reflecting the twists that unfolded during the match.
A 35-Year Wait Finally Ends
The victory carries particular significance for Indonesian football after decades of near misses. Before the FIFA ASEAN Cup triumph, the senior national team had not won a major official tournament since the 1991 SEA Games.
Indonesia had also reached the final of the regional championship several times without lifting the trophy. The latest victory therefore gives the national team its first senior title in 35 years and ends a long period of disappointment in Southeast Asian football.
The achievement was also notable because Thailand had been a difficult opponent for Indonesia over the years. FIFA noted that Indonesia had gone eight matches and 10 years without beating Thailand before finally doing so in the most important match of the tournament.
President Prabowo Subianto, who watched the final at the stadium, praised the team’s determination after the match.
“We are happy, grateful and proud of our team’s efforts. They did not give up until the very last moments,” Prabowo said, as quoted from detikNews.
He added that the victory was an example of a spirit that refuses to give up.
Prabowo also confirmed that the players would receive a bonus for their achievement, although he said the arrangement would be handled by PSSI chairman Erick Thohir.
“Yes, there will be a bonus. It will be arranged by the chairman of PSSI,” he added.
For Indonesia, the night at GBK was about more than a trophy. After 120 minutes, a penalty shootout and 35 years of waiting, the Garuda finally had a senior international title to celebrate.
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