BUDI Sudarsono is a name etched in the history of Indonesian football. Born in Kediri on September 19, 1979, he became one of the deadliest forwards ever to wear the Garuda jersey. Nicknamed "The Python," his playing style mirrored the reptile, slippery, fast, and always finding a way through defenses before finishing with precision. His career spanned from the early 2000s to the late 2010s, leaving behind a legacy both at the club level and on the international stage.
Budi’s rise to prominence wasn’t a fairy tale. It was the product of years of relentless hard work, climbing from junior football to becoming one of Indonesia’s finest strikers. His journey gained traction when he played for Persebaya Surabaya’s youth team. His talent soon earned him a spot in the senior squad before moving to Persija Jakarta, where he sharpened his attacking prowess.
To Telecom Asia Sport, Budi shared how he relentlessly trained and pushed himself, even when his teammates were resting.
I got here because of hard training. Early in my career, aside from club training, I always pushed myself harder. Morning, noon, evening, I trained at all times. But even at 11 PM, when others were resting, I would go out and train alone. While others were taking breaks, I kept working. I knew that if I wanted to be the best, I had to work harder than anyone else. I thrive on challenges, and proving myself has always been my biggest motivation.
That dedication paid off. After impressing in the domestic league, Budi received his first national team call-up in the early 2000s. At the time, head coach Benny Dolo was looking for fresh talent to strengthen the squad for the SEA Games. Budi was summoned alongside other young stars like Bambang Pamungkas and Ismed Sofyan.
It was Coach Benny Dolo who called me up. That moment was a dream come true because representing the national team is the ultimate goal for any player. Coming from a small town, it meant everything to me. Wearing the Garuda badge was my top priority. I was so focused on making the national team that I even promised myself not to date anyone before achieving it.
My first call-up was alongside Bambang Pamungkas and Ismed Sofyan for the SEA Games preparations. At that time, the senior squad was still packed with legends like Kurniawan Dwi Yulianto.
Budi’s international career took off from there. One of his most memorable moments came during the 2004 AFC Asian Cup, where he scored in Indonesia’s 2-1 victory over Qatar, Indonesia’s first-ever win in the tournament.
I scored alongside Ponaryo Astaman that night. That victory was special because it showed that Indonesia could compete at the Asian level.
Four years later, he was once again part of the squad for the 2007 AFC Asian Cup, co-hosted by Indonesia. One of the highlights of the tournament was his goal against Bahrain in front of a packed Gelora Bung Karno Stadium. Despite a competitive showing, Indonesia fell short of advancing to the next round.
That 2007 squad was the best I’ve ever been a part of. The training was brutal, three sessions a day. It felt like we were dying out there, but that’s what made us truly prepared for battle.
Beyond the Asian Cup, Budi also played a crucial role in the AFF Championship. One of his finest performances came in the 2008 edition when he netted a hat-trick in a 4-0 victory against Cambodia. His sharp instincts and lethal finishing made him one of Indonesia’s most feared strikers.
Back then, Indonesian fans were incredible. Stadiums were always packed, and the atmosphere lifted our spirits on the pitch.
Over his national team career, Budi earned 47 caps and scored 16 goals. But more than just numbers, his impact was felt through his dynamic play, his ability to exploit spaces, his knack for beating defenders, and his composure in front of goal made him a constant threat.
After his international career, Budi continued playing club football, featuring for teams like Persik Kediri, Sriwijaya FC, and Deltras Sidoarjo. One of his biggest achievements at the club level was leading Persik Kediri to the 2006 Indonesian League title. But for Budi, football was more than just being a player. Once he hung up his boots, he dedicated himself to coaching.
My dream is still in football. At one point, I felt like I was forgotten, but football is in my blood. My dream used to be playing for the national team. Now, I want to find and develop young players with real character.
Budi Sudarsono isn’t just a national team legend, he’s proof that hard work and dedication can take someone from humble beginnings to the top. His story is an inspiration for young players dreaming of donning the red and white and carrying Indonesia’s footballing hopes forward.
