Indonesia’s football community is steeped in sorrow following the profound loss of Elly Idris, a true legend of Persita Tangerang. The revered “Cisadane Warrior from Buru Island” passed away on Thursday, February 12, at the age of 62.
Reports confirm that Elly Idris breathed his last at 3:00 PM WIB at Cinta Kasih Hospital in Ciputat. His demise was officially announced by Persita Tangerang, who acknowledged his immense contribution to the club. He was an integral figure for the “Pendekar Cisadane” for many years, serving with distinction both as a dedicated player and a strategic coach.
In a poignant tribute shared on their official Instagram account on Thursday, February 12, Persita stated, “Innalillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un. Elly Idris, a figure who once defended and coached the Cisadane Warriors as both a player and coach, has returned to Allah’s mercy.” The club’s announcement further extended prayers, wishing for his good deeds to be accepted and for strength to be granted to his bereaved family.
For long-time enthusiasts of Indonesian national football, the name Elly Idris resonates deeply. He was not merely a player but a significant legend who shaped the landscape of Indonesian football, leaving an indelible mark at both the national team and club levels. Born on November 4, 1962, on Buru Island in Maluku Province, Idris developed a passion for football from a young age, embarking on his professional journey in the early 1980s.
His professional ascent began when he moved to Jakarta to join the junior team of PS Jayakarta, then an elite club in the semi-professional Galatama competition. His talent quickly propelled him into the main squad, leading him to experience a memorable league final against Niac Mitra in Surabaya. Although his team didn’t clinch the championship title that year, Idris’s reputation soared, earning him a call-up from coach Danurwindo for the Liga Selection squad, once again facing Niac Mitra, which further distinguished his burgeoning profile.
Idris’s illustrious club career continued with a move to Yanita Utama, a financially robust club where he secured his first major titles, triumphing in the Galatama competitions of 1983–1984 and 1984. Following Yanita Utama’s dissolution shortly thereafter, Idris remained highly coveted. He swiftly joined Kramayudha Tiga Berlian (KTB), another Galatama powerhouse, where his winning streak continued with championship victories in 1985, 1986, and 1987.
His journey of success persisted as he moved to Pelita Jaya, the club owned by Nirwan Bakrie. There, Elly Idris added more Galatama titles to his impressive collection, celebrating championships in 1988, 1989, and 1990. It was after this period that his career path led him to Persita Tangerang, where he would solidify his legacy.
At Persita Tangerang, Elly Idris’s name truly became synonymous with club greatness, transforming him into a revered legend. For six dedicated years, he proudly defended the “Pendekar Cisadane” colors before retiring from his playing career at the age of 34 in 1996. His brilliance, however, extended beyond club football. His undeniable talent and potential caught the attention of the Indonesian National Team, earning him a place in the “Garuda squad” from 1985 to 1993.
As a vital member of the national team, Elly Idris played a crucial role in Indonesia’s memorable run to the semifinals of the 1986 Asian Games. His final appearance representing the “Garuda” came at the 1993 SEA Games, marking the end of a remarkable international playing career. Following his retirement as a player, Idris seamlessly transitioned into coaching, beginning his managerial journey with Persibom Bolaang Mongondow from 2002 to 2006.
His coaching path eventually brought him back to his beloved Persita Tangerang for the 2007/2008 season, initially as an assistant coach. His dedication and expertise soon earned him a promotion to head coach two seasons later. Although he faced a period of unemployment after parting ways with Persita in 2013, Idris returned to the coaching fold in the 2017/2018 season. His final coaching tenure was with Persitara North Jakarta during the 2021/2022 season, a testament to his enduring commitment to Indonesian football.