WHEN Ponaryo Astaman stood tall and sang Indonesia Raya at the 2007 Asian Cup, he wasn’t just leading ten other players on the field, he was leading a nation dreaming of football glory. Nearly two decades later, he’s still leading, not from the pitch, but from boardrooms and strategy sessions, building the foundation of Borneo FC.
Being the president means you're responsible for almost everything. From managing the team and academy, to laying out two- or three-year plans.
Unlike many retired players who turn to coaching, the Balikpapan-born former midfielder took a different path. He stepped into management, not because he lost passion for the game, but because he wanted to make a bigger impact.
Ponaryo embodies a mature kind of leadership, shaped over the years as captain at some of Indonesia’s biggest clubs and reaching its peak while leading the national team.
There’s a clear correlation between leading on the pitch and managing from the office. It's more complex now, but the principles are the same.
As President Director of Borneo FC, Ponaryo oversees everything, from hiring coaches and budgeting, to mapping out the club’s future.
Even with different departments, I still have to evaluate everything. Coach selection may involve discussions, but the final signature is mine.
What truly stands out is his long-term vision for youth development. He understands that regeneration isn’t instant.
Academies are essential. We have teams from U-16, U-18, up to U-20. It's a multi-year mindset.
Borneo FC is also actively involved in the Elite Pro Academy (EPA), a national youth competition he considers foundational.
EPA is the future of the club. These young players will replace the seniors. A club shouldn't just buy players, we have to produce them. Young players can't just train endlessly. They need real competition to level up.
Not many people know Ponaryo’s love for football began near a volleyball court by his house in Balikpapan.
I was in second or third grade at the time, then moved on to a local field.
From there, he entered inter-school competitions, and after finishing high school, caught the eye of Persiba Balikpapan. That moment launched his journey through top-tier teams like PSM Makassar, Persija Jakarta, and Sriwijaya FC, where he tasted the sweet success of a double winner title.
On the national stage, Ponaryo did more than just play. He made history, scoring a legendary goal against Qatar at the 2004 Asian Cup, delivering Indonesia’s first-ever win in that tournament, and earning over 60 international caps with unwavering dedication. He also led the team to victory at the 2008 Independence Cup, a title perhaps lacking prestige, but rich with meaning and sacrifice.
After hanging up his boots, Ponaryo served as head of the Indonesian Professional Footballers Association (APPI), fighting for players’ rights often ignored behind the scenes.
I don’t want our footballers to only be celebrated when they play, then forgotten after they retire.
He’s also been active as a commentator, analyst, and speaker at key football forums.
Ponaryo is living proof that a true captain never really retires. He simply changes arenas, from the pitch to the planning table, from the armband to the boardroom. Just like the promise he once made as a boy, to stand on the pitch in the red and white, he now holds a new vow: to lead his club forward and lay the groundwork for a more dignified future in Indonesian football.
