Title: Shin Tae-yong’s Emotional Departure from Indonesia: A Farewell to Remember
Former Indonesian National Team coach, Shin Tae-yong, bid farewell to the country as he returned to his homeland, South Korea. The 54-year-old coach departed from Indonesia through Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on Sunday, January 26, 2025. Accompanied by several of his assistants from the Garuda squad, Shin Tae-yong boarded a Korean Air flight scheduled to depart at 9:50 PM local time.
As the scene unfolded at the airport, Shin Tae-yong was seen carrying a bag and a tote while dressed in a white shirt and grey pants. Upon stepping out of the car, he engaged in an interview with the media before approaching a group of supporters, La Grande Indonesi (LGI). In a poignant moment, Shin embraced the Field Coordinator of LGI Tangerang Raya, visibly moved to tears during the heartfelt exchange. Supporters accompanied Shin Tae-yong all the way to the international departure gate, underscoring the deep bond between the coach and Indonesian football fans.
The decision by the Indonesian Football Association, PSSI, to part ways with Shin Tae-yong was a significant development prior to his departure. PSSI’s Chairman, Erick Thohir, announced the termination of their collaboration with the coach during a press conference at Menara Danareksa in Jakarta on Monday, January 6, 2025. Expressing gratitude for Shin Tae-yong’s contributions, Thohir confirmed the end of their professional relationship, marking the end of an era for Indonesian football.
Shin Tae-yong’s tenure as the coach of the Indonesian National Team, which began on December 28, 2019, was marked by notable achievements. Under his leadership, the Garuda squad achieved remarkable success, including finishing as the runner-up in the 2020 AFF Cup, securing a bronze medal at the 2021 SEA Games, and reaching the Round of 16 in the 2023 Asian Cup. Additionally, Shin Tae-yong played a pivotal role in improving Indonesia’s FIFA ranking, elevating the team from 173rd to 127th during his tenure.
The departure of Shin Tae-yong from Indonesia not only marks the end of an era in Indonesian football but also underscores the emotional connection between the coach and the fans. As he embarks on a new chapter in his coaching career, Shin Tae-yong leaves behind a legacy of success and a lasting impact on Indonesian football that will be remembered for years to come.
