Nova Arianto Temporary Coach, Kurniawan Immediately Takes Over U-17 National Team

Viralterkini.idJakarta – The Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) confirmed that Kurniawan Dwi Yulianto will soon be appointed as permanent coach of the U-17 Indonesian National Team.

This assurance was conveyed by PSSI Executive Committee (Exco) Member, Arya Sinulingga, following the ongoing coaching transition process in the Garuda Muda squad.

Currently, the U-17 Indonesian National Team is still handled by Nova Arianto who has the status of temporary coach.

Nova was assigned by PSSI to lead the team in two international trial matches against the Chinese U-17 National Team which will be held on 8 and 11 February 2026.

This temporary appointment was made while waiting for Kurniawan to officially take over as head coach.

Nova was previously the permanent coach for the U-17 Indonesian National Team in the 2024–2025 period.

However, in early 2026, PSSI promoted Nova to manage the U-20 Indonesian National Team as part of the regeneration and restructuring of the national team’s coaching structure in various age groups.

“We have asked Nova to help first as a temporary coach for the U-17 National Team until the process of appointing a permanent coach is complete,” said Arya Sinulingga to the media crew.

PSSI, continued Arya, provided space for Nova to provide input and evaluation regarding the team’s condition, including player composition and technical needs ahead of the two big agendas that the U-17 Indonesian National Team will face in 2026.

“We just listen to coach Nova. We listen to him and what his suggestions are. Later these proposals will also go to the PSSI Exco,” said Arya.

On the same occasion, Arya indicated that Kurniawan Dwi Yulianto had basically entered the coaching structure of the U-17 Indonesian National Team.

The administrative process and final decision are just waiting for official discussions at the Exco level.

“Later, we’ll just have to wait for the Exco. I see that Kurniawan has entered the coaching team for the U-17 Indonesian National Team,” added Arya.

Kurniawan himself has been seen accompanying Nova Arianto in preparations for the U-17 Indonesian National Team.

He was also in the coaching team when Indonesia suffered a crushing 0-7 defeat to China U-17 in the first trial match which took place at the Indomilk Arena, Tangerang.

This defeat is an important evaluation material for the coaching team ahead of the second trial as well as a series of preparations for the AFF U-17 Cup and the 2026 U-17 Asian Cup.

PSSI hopes that Kurniawan’s presence can strengthen the technical and mental aspects of the players, considering the busy international agenda that awaits.

In terms of experience, Kurniawan Dwi Yulianto is considered to have a fairly good track record.

The former Indonesian national team striker previously managed Sabah FC in the Malaysian League.

Apart from that, Kurniawan also had a career in Europe as an assistant coach at Como U-19, which is under the auspices of the Como 1907 club.

“In terms of experience, I think Kurniawan is also okay. He was at Como 1907, he was at other teams too,” said Arya.

PSSI considers this background to be an added value for Kurniawan, especially in building the playing foundation and professionalism of young Indonesian players who are projected for the long term.

The Indonesian U-17 national team itself will face two major tournaments throughout 2026.

Indonesia is scheduled to host the AFF U-17 Cup which will take place in April 2026.

This tournament is an important event to measure Garuda Muda’s readiness as well as build self-confidence in front of the public.

Apart from that, the U-17 Indonesian National Team will also appear in the 2026 U-17 Asian Cup which will be held in Saudi Arabia from 7 to 24 May 2026.

This Asian level tournament is PSSI’s main target to see the development of the results of developing young players as well as opening opportunities for achievements at the continental level.

With the appointment of Kurniawan Dwi Yulianto as permanent coach, PSSI hopes that the U-17 Indonesian National Team will have a clear and sustainable coaching direction.

It is also hoped that this decision will provide technical stability ahead of the busy agenda and strengthen the foundations of the age group national team for the future. (ag/ma)