The Indonesian National Team, affectionately known as the Garuda squad, is set to welcome a new on-field leader for their upcoming FIFA Match Day fixtures in June 2026 against Oman and Mozambique. This significant development sees Persija Jakarta defender Rizky Ridho entrusted with the captain’s armband, stepping in for the injured Jay Idzes.
The confirmation of Ridho’s appointment came directly from Timnas Indonesia coach John Herdman, following a training session with the Garuda squad at Madya Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta on Monday, June 2.
According to Herdman, the selection of the team captain is not a solitary decision made by the coach, but rather a collective agreement among the players themselves. “The team chooses. And the team chose Rizky Ridho as captain,” Herdman stated, highlighting the democratic process within the squad.
The English coach further emphasized his consistent policy of non-interference in the captain selection process. He explained that his role is distinct from that of the players in this regard, focusing instead on tactical and disciplinary matters.
“The players always choose their own captain. That’s not the coach’s decision. My job is to choose tactics, determine players, handle discipline, and speak to the media,” he clarified, delineating the boundaries of his responsibilities.
Ridho’s designation as captain underscores his pivotal position within the Garuda squad. Beyond leading Persija Jakarta for the past two seasons, the 24-year-old defender is no stranger to the Timnas Indonesia captaincy. His experience and leadership qualities have clearly resonated with his teammates.
According to Transfermarkt records, Ridho has previously worn the captain’s armband for the ‘Merah Putih’ (Red and White) on two occasions. The first was during Indonesia’s 1-0 victory over Vietnam in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers at Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium on March 21, 2024 – a match notably coinciding with Jay Idzes’ debut for Timnas Indonesia. His second captaincy came in September last year when Indonesia decisively defeated Taiwan 6-0 in a friendly match at Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium in Surabaya.
Now, Ridho once again steps into a leadership role, tasked with guiding the Garuda squad through two crucial international encounters against Oman and Mozambique.
Despite Ridho’s proven capability, Herdman openly acknowledged that Jay Idzes’ absence represents a significant loss for the team. The Sassuolo defender is sidelined to recover from an injury sustained during the final week of the Italian League season. This unfortunate situation marks the first time Idzes has not been included in the “Garuda Calling” roster since officially becoming an Indonesian citizen in December 2023.
Since making his impactful debut for Timnas Indonesia against Vietnam in March 2024, Idzes has consistently been a vital component of the Garuda squad. The 25-year-old has amassed an impressive 18 appearances for the Indonesian National Team, showcasing his rapid integration and importance.
For Herdman, Idzes’ contributions extend beyond his on-field performance; his influence behind the scenes has been equally profound. “I don’t think you can replace Jay Idzes. It’s as simple as that. What he does behind the scenes for this team is extraordinary. He is a true leader who genuinely cares about the mission of getting Indonesia to qualify and move to the next level,” the former Canada National Team coach revealed, underlining Idzes’ irreplaceable leadership qualities.
With Idzes recuperating, the mantle of leading the Garuda squad on the pitch now falls to Rizky Ridho. The trust placed in him by his teammates provides a crucial foundation for the Surabaya-born defender as he aims to steer Indonesia towards positive results against Oman on June 5 and Mozambique on June 9, both matches to be held at the iconic Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium.
Summary
Persija Jakarta defender Rizky Ridho has been appointed as the new captain of the Indonesian National Team for the upcoming FIFA Match Day fixtures against Oman and Mozambique. The decision was made through a democratic internal vote by the players, a process supported by head coach John Herdman, who maintains that captain selection should remain under the squad’s authority.
Ridho steps into this leadership role due to the absence of Jay Idzes, who is currently sidelined with an injury sustained during his club season in Italy. While coach Herdman acknowledges that Idzes’ presence and influence are irreplaceable, he has full confidence in Ridho’s experience and the trust his teammates have placed in him to lead the squad during these international matches.