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

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.
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:Related Articles
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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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
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.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.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.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.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.Most Popular
