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La Grande Supporters Bid Farewell at Soekarno-Hatta Airport
Soekarno-Hatta Airport in Tangerang, Banten, was flooded with supporters who came to send off Shin Tae-yong. Large banners with the words "History Maker!" were raised, and the chant "Thank You Shin Tae-yong!" echoed from the hundreds of fans from the La Grande community. Emotions ran high as many realized the impact Shin had made during his time in Indonesia.
The atmosphere became even more heartfelt when Shin Tae-yong, dressed in a white t-shirt and grey pants, arrived at the airport around 7:54 PM. As a fan draped a La Grande Indonesia scarf around his neck, the South Korean coach couldn’t hold back his tears. He embraced the fan as a gesture of gratitude.
Five Years with the National Team, Shin Leaves a Lasting Legacy
Shin Tae-yong was more than just a coach. When he first arrived in Indonesia in December 2019, the national team was ranked 173rd in the world. Thanks to his leadership, the Garuda squad now sits at 127th in the global rankings. In addition to that, Shin successfully led Indonesia to the Round of 16 at the 2023 Asian Cup and guided the U-23 team to the semifinals of the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup.
These accomplishments are what made many people disappointed when PSSI suddenly decided to terminate his contract on January 6, 2025. Although his contract had been extended until 2027, internal dynamics and communication issues were cited as the reasons for the abrupt decision.
However, for the supporters, Shin is a legend who has made a lasting impact. This is why hundreds of fans came to the airport to pay their final respects. "Shin is a history maker. He’s not just a coach, he’s an inspiration to Indonesian football," said one of the supporters who came to bid farewell.
"Thank You, Keep Supporting the Indonesian National Team!"
Shin Tae-yong didn’t just say goodbye, he also shared a special message for his supporters. Before boarding his Korean Airlines flight, which departed at 9:50 PM, he expressed his gratitude to everyone who had supported him over the years.
"I want to thank all of you for your support. Please continue to support the Indonesian national team, as they still have a long journey ahead in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers," he said.
This message served as a reminder that while Shin is leaving, the Garuda squad's fight continues. Hopes remain high for Indonesia’s future, with many competitions still ahead.
No Heavy Security, Shin Mingles with Supporters
Shin Tae-yong’s return to South Korea was a simple affair with no heavy security. Accompanying him were his assistant coaches, including Yeom Ki-hun, Kim Jong-jin, Choi Ju-young, Shin Sang-gyu, Choi In-cheol, Yoo Jae-hoon, and Jeong Seok-seo. The supporters followed their every step up to the airport entrance, singing chants like "Ale-ale" with enthusiasm.
Although the farewell was emotional, the supporters remain proud of what Shin Tae-yong has achieved for Indonesian football. His success in elevating the national team’s rankings and performance has left a deep impression on fans.
PSSI Names Patrick Kluivert as Shin Tae-yong's Replacement
Following Shin Tae-yong's dismissal, PSSI quickly appointed Patrick Kluivert as the new head coach on Sunday (January 12, 2025). The former Dutch football star now faces the challenging task of continuing the work Shin started and preparing the Indonesian national team for upcoming tournaments, including the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
While a new coach has been chosen, Shin Tae-yong’s departure has left a void in the hearts of many supporters. Some even expressed hope that he might return someday. "We will always support Shin, and we hope he can come back one day," said another supporter.
Shin Tae-yong’s departure to South Korea was an emotional moment, accompanied by a large outpouring of support from hundreds of fans. His five years of service to Indonesia brought tremendous achievements, improving the national team's global ranking and leading them to success in various tournaments. Despite the shock of his contract termination, supporters continue to hold Shin in high regard for his significant contributions to Indonesian football.
With his final words encouraging continued support for the Garuda squad, Shin Tae-yong proved that his love for Indonesia remains strong. His departure marks the end of one chapter, but his name will forever be linked to the history and progress of Indonesian football.