Holiday Ayo - Joey Pelupessy is the next name to 'stand up' for PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir. He asked all Indonesian fans to continue supporting the man who also serves as Minister of Youth and Sports.

Erick has been in the spotlight since Indonesia failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. Two defeats to Saudi Arabia and Iraq in the fourth round of the Asian qualifying round this month have shattered Garuda's dreams of appearing on the world's biggest football stage.

His decision to fire Shin Tae-yong last January and recruit Patrick Kluivert proved ineffective.

The Dutchman and his team were then released again about nine months later, further surprising the public.

Despite this, Pelupessy claimed Erick had worked hard to build the national team. He also asked fans to remain 'united' in supporting the former Inter Milan president.

"Now, a few days after our last match with the national team in Saudi Arabia and the many reactions, I want to give a positive personal response," Pelupessy began.

"I want to thank coach (Kluivert) for his great faith in me and for giving me the opportunity to debut for the national team in March against Bahrain. This trust and the way we've worked over the past few months with the entire staff has been very pleasing."

"Unfortunately, as I said before: right now, 'A dream is still a dream.' We will continue to work hard, look to the future, and show our passion and belief in the future. That's how things are achieved."

"After all the reactions to Mr. Thohir, I can say from my own experience that Mr. Thohir and his team always create the best conditions for us as a team to give our best performance for the national team. That's what we all want: the best situation for the national team and the entire country."

"In closing this message, I would like to say: Please continue to support the national team and Mr. Thohir together as one, as you always have. Your positive support always gives us so much energy and confidence," said the Lommel player.

Erick has spoken out on social media about Kluivert's dismissal, instead of holding a press conference like he did when he fired STY.

However, when approached by the media at a press conference regarding preparations for the 2025 SEA Games, he refused to discuss Kluivert, evading the issue with the excuse that he was "currently serving as Minister of Youth and Sports."

Pelupessy is not the first person to take a stand against Erick. Previously, national team captain Jay Idzes and Calvin Verdonk had also done the same.