President Jokowi Upset by Referee’s Handling in Indonesia’s Draw with Bahrain

Ichsan Ali
October 11, 2024 | 5:15 pm
SHARE
Indonesian striker Ragnar Oratmangoen, center, fights for the ball against Bahrain player Vincent Emmanuel, right, during the World Cup qualifier the Riffa National Stadium in Bahrain, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024. (Photo courtesy of PSSI)
Indonesian striker Ragnar Oratmangoen, center, fights for the ball against Bahrain player Vincent Emmanuel, right, during the World Cup qualifier the Riffa National Stadium in Bahrain, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024. (Photo courtesy of PSSI)

Jakarta. President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo admitted on Friday that he was annoyed by the referee in the Indonesia-Bahrain World Cup qualifier who kept the match to proceed beyond the official added time and allowed the home team to equalize in the last minute.

Indonesia was leading 2-1 in Bahrain until the 96th minute, which supposed to be the time the final whistle was blown, but the game went on and four minutes later Bahrain’s Mohamed Marhoon scored and the game was over.

Indonesian officials and players stormed Omani referee Abu Bakar Al Kaf to protest his handling of the match, resulting in one official getting a red card.

"If I’m allowed to speak, I’m very disappointed. We were leading 2-1 and there was an added six minutes but nine minutes after the normal time there was no final whistle. Then came that goal in the last minute,” Jokowi said in Nusantara, East Kalimantan.

Advertisement

National team coach Shin Tae-yong also criticized the referee for allowing Bahrain to score beyond the added time. 

“If the AFC [Asian Football Confederation] wants to keep progressing, the quality of referees’ decision and leadership must be improved,” the Korean was quoted as saying in the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) website.

The result from the Thursday evening match leaves Indonesia fifth in the standings, just behind Bahrain, with three points from three draws.

Tags: Keywords:
SHARE

Related Articles


News Jun 10, 2025 | 11:34 pm

Indonesia Routed 6-0 by Japan but Still March On

Coach Patrick Kluivert’s experimental lineup failed to withstand Japan’s high tempo and tactical precision.
News Jun 9, 2025 | 8:20 pm

World Cup 2026: Indonesia Takes on Japan as AFC Faces Neutrality Scrutiny

Indonesia faces Japan in their final Group C match Tuesday, with both teams through, but AFC’s venue decisions are stirring controversy.
News Jun 5, 2025 | 11:37 pm

Indonesia Edges China 1–0 to Keep 2026 World Cup Dream Alive

The victory pushes Indonesia to third place in the group with 12 points, trailing behind group leaders Japan and Australia.
News May 23, 2025 | 5:40 pm

Jokowi Vows to Show Original Diploma in Court, Says Investigation Ongoing

Jokowi says his fake diploma case is still under investigation by Jakarta police, despite the National Police dropping a similar complaint.
News May 22, 2025 | 4:08 pm

Police Confirm Jokowi’s Diploma Is Authentic, Ending Fake Degree Rumors

Police say Jokowi’s UGM diploma is real after forensic review, ending years of fake degree rumors and closing the forgery investigation.
News May 20, 2025 | 1:38 pm

Jokowi: “No Choice But Court” to End Fake Diploma Accusations

“To be honest, I’m saddened that this case has come this far. I feel sorry for those who continue to deny the truth,” Jokowi said.
Lifestyle May 15, 2025 | 11:53 am

How to Get Tickets for Indonesia vs China: Garuda ID Now Mandatory

Watch Indonesia take on China in a key World Cup qualifier on June 5. Tickets now on sale; Garuda ID required for entry.
News May 14, 2025 | 10:25 pm

Jokowi Eyes PSI Top Post, Jokes About Beating the Odds

Jokowi said he is still making political calculations regarding the possibility of leading the youth-oriented party.
News May 9, 2025 | 11:36 am

Jokowi to Deniers: My Diploma Is Real -- Now Face the Law

Jokowi’s legal team appeared at police headquarters in Jakarta with the diploma, which was hand-delivered by his brother-in-law.
News May 8, 2025 | 6:28 pm

Jokowi: Media Has Crucial Role in Sustaining Public Morale

"With 10 years of experience leading the country, he remains a valuable voice of reason," Enggartiasto said of Jokowi.

The Latest


News 2 hours ago

KPK Considers Forced Summons for Singaporean Jet Tycoon in Papua Graft Probe

KPK may forcibly summon Singaporean tycoon Gibrael Isaak after he skipped questioning in a Rp 1.2t Papua graft case linked to a private jet.
Business 2 hours ago

Qatar’s Barzan Doubts ‘Big Market’ Indonesia Will Put Brake on Its Defense Investment

According to Barzan Holdings, Indonesia's defense investment will remain unaffected by economic hurdles.
Lifestyle 5 hours ago

NBA Finals 2025: Thunder Rally Past Pacers Behind Gilgeous-Alexander’s Fourth-Quarter Surge

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scores 15 in the fourth to lift Thunder past Pacers 111-104, tying the NBA Finals at 2-2 heading to Game 5.
News 5 hours ago

Iran Hits Israel With Missile Salvo Following Assault on Nuclear Sites

Iran fired dozens of missiles at Israel in retaliation for Israeli airstrikes on its nuclear and military sites, wounding dozens.
Tech 18 hours ago

Indonesia Introduces AI and Coding to 59,000 Schools Nationwide

Indonesia rolls out AI and coding as elective subjects in 59,000 schools, aiming to prepare students for the digital future.
COPYRIGHT © 2025 JAKARTA GLOBE. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED