TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia national team forward Hokky Caraka is aiming for both redemption and glory at the SEA Games 2025 after missing out on the 2023 edition in Cambodia. The Persita Tangerang striker described his participation this year as an opportunity to settle a personal “debt.”
“I have been called up twice by coach Indra Sjafri, once for the last SEA Games and now. I was part of the team before but got cut, perhaps because I didn’t fit the scheme,” Hokky told Antara in Jakarta on Wednesday, November 27, 2025.
From the start of training camp, Hokky said the U-22 squad has set ambitious goals. “Even in our chants, we have instilled the idea of winning gold. It drives us every day at the SEA Games,” he said.
The forward described the team’s preparations as progressive, especially after two friendly matches against Mali.
“In my view, there has been significant improvement. We’ve learned from previous mistakes and received detailed evaluations from the coach,” added Hokky, a former key player for Indonesia’s U-20 team at the 2023 AFC U-20 Asian Cup.
Despite his attacking role, Hokky is keeping personal ambitions secondary. “As for personal targets, I’ll put them aside for now. The main goal is to win gold and defend it,” he said.
Hokky also praised the team’s depth, not only in player talent but also in the coaching and support staff under Indra Sjafri.
“We have top analysts chosen by Coach Indra. I’ve worked closely with them to understand what limits my game and what I need to improve,” added the forward, who enjoys Afrobeat music in his downtime.
Indonesia’s U-22 squad is drawn in Group C alongside Singapore, the Philippines, and Myanmar. Their SEA Games campaign kicks off against Singapore on December 5, followed by the Philippines on December 8, and Myanmar on December 12. All matches will be played in Chiang Mai.
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