Rahmad Darmawan Applauds Malut United's Collaboration with Benfica to Build an Academy
National coach Rahmad Darmawan believes the collaboration between Malut United and SL Benfica to build the Akademi Merah Putih represents a major step in the development of Indonesia’s youth football.
Darmawan attended the launch of the Akademi Merah Putih partnership on the sidelines of Malut United’s match against Persita Tangerang at Gelora Kie Raha Stadium on Saturday, 16 May 2026.
In addition to Rahmad, several national football legends were present, including Rully Nere and Rochy Putiray.
The Akademi Merah Putih will recruit 70 children aged 7-9, with priority given to orphans and financially disadvantaged families from North Maluku, Maluku, and Papua.
‘This is a very national endeavour, involving another country and contributing to Indonesian football. This is the first academy created with the aim of helping the less fortunate,’ Rahmad told several media outlets gathered, including Kompas.com.
He said Malut United’s approach is a rare development in the early-years football pathway in Indonesia.
‘It’s exceptional that in Malut children aged 7-9 are fully funded and from families truly in need. This is an extraordinary social approach,’ he said.
Rahmad Darmawan described the Akademi Merah Putih collaboration between Malut United and SL Benfica as a major step for the development of youth football in Indonesia.
According to him, the programme is attractive because of its focus on helping underprivileged and orphaned children, while also bringing character education, morals and religious guidance for participants.
‘The Portuguese club is known for its modern development system based on developing playing intelligence. Benfica has a game intelligence system and a 360 OS simulator—the technology simulator to help players develop cognitive abilities, perception, and decision making,’ Rahmad said.
‘I was surprised to hear Benfica’s partnership with Malut United. That is extraordinary,’ he said.
Rahmad believes Benfica has a long track record of producing world-class players, including Ederson, Bernardo Silva, and Ruben Dias who have been part of Manchester City’s squad.