TODAY, April 19, became a historic moment for Indonesian football. 94 years ago, to be precise in 1930, the All Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) was born in Jogjakarta. However, more than just a sports organization, the birth of PSSI contained strong political meaning, related to resistance to Dutch colonialism.
Moch. Rizky Pratama Putra, JawaPos.com Reporter
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The beginning of the establishment of PSSI cannot be separated from the role of a civil engineer named Soeratin Sosrosoegondo. After completing his education in Germany, Soeratin returned to his homeland with a burning spirit of nationalism.
Through careful and secret meetings, Soeratin succeeded in bringing together football figures from various regions such as Solo, Jogjakarta and Bandung. On April 19 1930, representatives from various football associations gathered to form PSSI.
Then on April 19 1930, representatives from VIJ (Sjamsoedin – RHS student) gathered; Bandoengsche Indonesische Voetbal Bond (BIVB) representative Gatot; Mataram Football Association (PSM) Jogjakarta, Daslam Hadiwasito, A. Hamid, M. Amir Notopratomo; Vortenlandsche Voetbal Bond (VVB) Solo Soekarno; Madioensche Voetbal Bond (MVB), Kartodarmoedjo; Indonesische Voetbal Bond Magelang (IVBM) EA Mangindaan (at that time still a HKS/Teacher School student, also Captain Kes.IVBM) Soerabajashe Indonesische Voetbal Bond (SIVB) represented by Pamoedji.
From this meeting, PSSI (Persatoean Sepakraga Seloeroeh Indonesia) was born. The name PSSI was changed at the PSSI congress in Solo in 1950 to become the All-Indonesian Football Association which also appointed Ir. Soeratin as General Chair of PSSI.
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From there, PSSI was born as a forum for Indonesian youth to channel the spirit of nationalism through football. Soeratin and his colleagues immediately started working on struggle programs to oppose Dutch colonial policies. One important initiative was the holding of national level football competitions such as the “Steden Tournooi” which began in 1931 in Surakarta.
Not only driving sports, PSSI also plays a role in building national football infrastructure. This effort received support from Susuhunan Paku Buwono X, who even built the Sriwedari stadium in October 1933 as a form of appreciation for the revival of national football.
However, PSSI’s journey has not always been smooth. Japan’s entry into Indonesia caused PSSI to become passive in competing, becoming part of the sports body formed by Japan. Only after Indonesia’s independence did PSSI become autonomous again and active in developing national football.
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After the Soeratin era, PSSI continued to develop despite experiencing ups and downs. Various competitions at the national level were expanded, including the main division, first division, second division, third division, as well as age group and futsal competitions. PSSI also accommodates domestic and foreign matches, including within the framework of Regional Sports Week (PORDA) and National Sports Week (PON).
Not only that, PSSI also achieved significant achievements by becoming a member of FIFA since 1952, followed by becoming a member of the AFC. In 1953, PSSI even officially became a legal entity, confirming its position as the parent sports organization registered in the state gazette.