BAMBANG Pamungkas is more than just a name on the long list of Indonesian footballers. He is a legend, embodying the spirit, dedication, and perseverance of the national team. His presence on the field, especially in the red and white jersey, was a beacon of hope for Indonesian football fans. With an impressive goal-scoring record, he became a symbol of the country's footballing pride.
Born in Getas, Semarang, on June 10, 1980, Bambang displayed exceptional talent from a young age. However, football was not his childhood dream, he originally wanted to become a teacher.
I first started playing football when I was eight years old, but as a child, my dream was to become a teacher.
His desire to teach was influenced by his mother, who was also a teacher.
I wanted to be a teacher because I saw how they spoke in front of their students. They looked so authoritative, and I wanted to be like that. At the time, my father was a football coach, and my mother was a dance teacher. As a kid, I was involved in both activities. But in the end, I followed my father and chose football.
Bambang admitted that football was initially something he was 'forced' into but later became his passion.
As a kid, I always had to tag along when my dad coached football. Eventually, I started to enjoy it and understand the game. When I was eight, I got my first pair of football boots, and from that moment on, I was hooked.
Despite his growing love for football, Bambang was still unsure whether to pursue it professionally or just keep it as a hobby.
My mother wanted me to become a civil servant because I had received scholarships from elementary school until I graduated. She told me, ‘Why not become a civil servant?’.
But after careful consideration, he chose football.
I decided to become an athlete. I joined the football academy at Diklat Salatiga when I was in the third grade of junior high school, at the age of 14.
After graduating from Diklat Salatiga, Bambang joined Persija Jakarta in the late 1990s. His debut season was nothing short of spectacular. With his incredible sharpness in front of goal, Bepe, his popular nickname, scored 24 goals in a single season, immediately making a name for himself.
His journey with the Indonesian national team began in 1999, and from then on, he became the go-to striker and a nightmare for opposing defenders. Despite standing at just 171 cm, Bepe possessed a rare skill among Indonesian strikers, his exceptional heading ability.
One of his finest moments came during the 2002 Tiger Cup, where he showcased his brilliance by scoring eight goals and becoming the tournament's top scorer. The 2007 AFC Asian Cup was another highlight of his international career. In that tournament, he scored a stunning goal against Bahrain, leading Indonesia to a 2-1 victory in front of tens of thousands of fans at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium.
Throughout his career with the national team, Bepe earned 85 caps and netted 37 goals, making him one of Indonesia’s all-time top scorers. He was part of several golden generations that fought for regional glory. On multiple occasions, he led Indonesia to the AFF Cup final, but the title always remained just out of reach. Still, his unwavering dedication and passion for the national team never faded.
On December 17, 2019, Bambang Pamungkas announced his retirement from professional football.
When I retired, I wanted to step away from football. But then I was asked to join Persija’s management as a team manager. Two years later, I took another break. Now, I work as a football commentator, write, get involved in TV production, and create miniseries—things outside of football.
Bambang Pamungkas was not just a prolific striker—he was a symbol of loyalty, dedication, and love for the game. Players may retire, but their names and contributions live on. Bepe may have left the pitch, but his legacy will continue to inspire football fans across Indonesia.
The duty of a footballer is to carry forward what the previous generation has built and to inspire the next generation.
