Indonesian Former National Footballer’s Plight Highlights Post-Retirement Challenges For Players

4-6-2023 (JAKARTA) A recent Instagram biography update by Kurnia Meiga, Indonesia’s former national footballer, caught the attention of the nation. The message “For sale. All my football properties” revealed the 33-year-old’s intention to sell his football memorabilia, including medals and jerseys, in order to cover the costs of his medical treatment. Meiga, who suffers from vision problems, has been unable to work for the past six years and requires financial assistance to support his family.

The distressing situation faced by Meiga prompted Erick Thohir, the head of the Indonesian football association (PSSI), to take immediate action. Appointed to the post three months ago, Thohir arranged for doctors to assess Meiga’s condition. On May 21, Thohir shared an update on Instagram, stating that a medical team had visited the former footballer to provide assistance.

Thohir, who also serves as Indonesia’s minister for state-owned enterprises, requested the support and prayers of society and football lovers for the recovery of Meiga, hailed as a legendary goalkeeper for the national team. Meiga’s plight has sparked discussions about the welfare of retired footballers in Indonesia, coinciding with the country’s efforts to overhaul its football ecosystem following a tragic stampede in Malang last year.

While the focus has largely been on stadium renovations, safety regulations, and revamping the PSSI, the challenges faced by players after retirement have garnered attention. Observers argue that any comprehensive reform of Indonesia’s football ecosystem should not only address infrastructure and safety but also consider the well-being of players once they hang up their boots.

Meiga, who retired at the age of 27 due to vision impairments, spent his entire professional career with Arema FC, a popular club based in Malang. His situation is not unique, as several other former footballers have also faced difficult circumstances in their post-retirement lives. Anang Ma’ruf, a former player for various clubs, including Arema FC’s rival Persebaya Surabaya, fell into poverty after unsuccessful business investments. Dedek Hendri, a former national goalkeeper for the under-18 team, succumbed to drug addiction and resorted to robbery. Likewise, Alexander Pulalo, an ex-national football player, turned to driving as a profession following his retirement.

Erwin Tobing, head of PSSI’s disciplinary committee, acknowledged the struggles faced by retired footballers but emphasized that the government cannot be held responsible for their future. Tobing encouraged players to plan for their retirement and suggested that clubs play a crucial role in guiding players and providing insurance coverage. However, he acknowledged that clubs’ limited resources often posed challenges in this regard.

Analysts argue that the football association, PSSI, could play a pivotal role in guaranteeing a secure future for players, considering the ongoing efforts to reform the football landscape in Indonesia. Tommy Apriantono, a sports lecturer, suggested that athletes, including footballers, should be encouraged to pursue university degrees, thereby increasing their chances of finding employment and ensuring financial stability post-retirement.

Coach Justin, a renowned football analyst, echoed the need for clubs to prioritize players’ welfare and provide insurance coverage. He emphasized the importance of developing a system wherein players set aside a portion of their salaries for a retirement fund. Justin further noted that professional football clubs in Indonesia lag behind their foreign counterparts in terms of professionalism, which hinders the implementation of comprehensive support systems for players.

During the recent PSSI congress, Thohir announced plans to establish a foundation dedicated to assisting retired Indonesian footballers. The foundation aims to provide support to individuals like Kurnia Meiga and other football heroes who have made significant contributions to the sport. Thohir expressed hope that this initiative would mark a breakthrough and demonstrate the association’s commitment to caring for those who sacrificed for Indonesian football.

In an update on Meiga’s situation, Thohir shared a video on May 31, revealing that he intends to help the former footballer by providing vision aids and exploring entrepreneurship opportunities for him. The video depicted Meiga’s medical assessment, with Thohir and Meiga’s family also present.