FROM a young age, Ernando Ari showed a deep passion for football. Born in Semarang on February 27, 2002, the Indonesian national team goalkeeper has grown into one of Garuda's most reliable shot-stoppers. His journey began early, when his talent and dedication on the field became evident.
Starting at a local football school (SSB) in Semarang, Ernando was recruited by the Central Java PPLP (Student Training and Education Center) in 2018 when he was in his second year of junior high school. This was where his skills developed further, paving the way for his professional career.
I started playing football when I was in kindergarten. My parents introduced me to it early, even if it was just for fun. At first, I played as a striker, but in third grade, I had to step in as goalkeeper because our team’s keeper was sick. That’s when I started taking the position seriously and eventually joined a goalkeeper academy in Semarang.
I trained every week, but we only played with the team twice. The rest of the time was dedicated solely to goalkeeper training.
His impressive performances at PPLP Central Java caught the attention of Persebaya Surabaya. Ernando joined the Liga 1 club and competed in the Elite Pro Academy Liga 1 U-16 in 2018. His consistency and outstanding form quickly earned him a promotion to the senior squad, where he became the first-choice goalkeeper.
His love for football drove him to dedicate nearly all his time to training.
For three years, I barely attended school. But my teachers knew I was playing football, so I was given permission. I was lucky to still pass my classes, even though my assignments piled up.
Ernando’s international career took off when he was selected for the first Garuda Select program in 2019. This initiative aimed to nurture young Indonesian talents through training and match experience in Europe—an invaluable foundation for facing high-level competition.
My journey to the national team started with the student national team. Then, I went through the selection process for the main squad. At first, I didn’t make it, but I kept trying until I finally got in. After that, I was immediately given the starting goalkeeper role for the U-16 national team in my debut match against Thailand in 2017.
However, despite his rise as Indonesia’s No.1 goalkeeper, Ernando faced a tough moment in the opening match of the 2024 AFC Asian Cup against Iraq. In the dying minutes of the game, he misjudged a ball, leading to a goal and Indonesia’s 3-1 defeat.
In the dressing room, I kept reflecting on it. Even in my sleep, I kept replaying the mistake in my head, scolding myself.
The blunder drew heavy criticism. But instead of crumbling under pressure, Ernando showed his resilience. In the following matches, he bounced back with solid performances, proving that one mistake does not define a player.
His redemption came in the quarterfinals when he became the hero by saving two penalties against South Korea, sending Indonesia to the semifinals. His heroic display earned widespread praise.
I never expected to take a penalty in that match. I hesitated at first, but Coach Shin Tae-yong encouraged me and the rest of the team. He believed I could stop the penalties, and in the end, he was right—we defeated South Korea.
Ernando’s success is rooted in the discipline instilled by his family. Since childhood, he followed a strict schedule that balanced school, football training, and religious studies. His mother, Erna Yuli Lestari, shared that Ernando’s father enforced a military-like routine in their household, shaping his strong work ethic and discipline.
Now, Ernando is battling alongside his teammates to secure a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States. The journey is far from easy, but with determination and team spirit, he remains optimistic about making history with the Indonesian national team.
With a mix of natural talent, relentless hard work, and unwavering discipline, Ernando Ari Sutaryadi continues to shine on the field.
My goal is to be a key pillar in Indonesia’s national team for years to come.
