Kurnia Meiga

Kurnia Meiga Hermansyah is an Indonesian former professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper. Born in Jakarta, he earned a reputation as one of the country's most reliable shot-stoppers during his prime, particularly through his long and successful spell with Arema FC. His agility, reflexes, and command of the penalty area made him a fan favorite and a mainstay in the Indonesia national team setup.

Meiga's career was cut short by a serious illness that forced him into early retirement. Since then, he has faced significant personal and financial struggles, including a public divorce and the need to sell emping crackers online to make ends meet. Despite these hardships, he has received support from the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) and remains a respected figure in Indonesian football, with his jersey number retired by his former club. [edit]

Kurnia Meiga grew up in Jakarta, the younger brother of Achmad Kurniawan, who was also a goalkeeper and would later become his inspiration. From a young age, Meiga showed a natural aptitude for the position, honing his skills in local youth teams. He began his senior career in 2009 with Persijap Jepara, a club based in Central Java, where he quickly established himself as a formidable presence between the posts. His performances in his debut season caught the eye of bigger clubs, and after two solid years with Persijap, he made the move to Arema Cronus in 2013. That transfer marked the beginning of his rise to prominence in Indonesian football. [edit]

At Arema Cronus, Meiga blossomed into one of the finest goalkeepers in the Indonesia Super League. His shot-stopping ability and leadership from the back helped the team secure the 2015 Piala Sudirman title, a highlight of his club career. He also became a regular for the Indonesian national team, earning caps in international competitions and earning praise for his performances against regional rivals. Meiga's consistency between the posts made him a mainstay in the starting eleven for both club and country. However, a serious illness began to affect his health, and he was forced to step away from the game. After years of struggling with the condition, he officially retired, and in July 2022, Arema FC retired his jersey number 1 as a mark of respect for his contributions. [edit]

Kurnia Meiga is remembered as a courageous and dedicated goalkeeper who gave his all for club and country. His fighting spirit on the pitch earned him admiration from fans, who affectionately nicknamed him "Si Kapten" for his leadership qualities. Off the pitch, his public image has been shaped by his resilience in the face of adversity. The news of his illness and subsequent financial struggles drew an outpouring of sympathy and support from the Indonesian football community. His decision to sell emping online was met with a mix of sadness and respect, as fans rallied to support him by purchasing his products. Meiga's story has become a poignant reminder of the challenges many retired athletes face, and he has been praised for his humility and willingness to share his struggles openly. [edit]

Kurnia Meiga commands a global audience defined by regional sports history rather than worldwide celebrity. He is currently evaluated as Unranked in the iFANN Global Top 1,000 and holds no placement on any Top-100 scope list. The data confirms he does not hold a numeric rank or score within these published tiers. While his Instagram presence reaches hundreds of thousands, the fanbase has no formal name and lacks the organized structure of dedicated celebrity movements. There are no records of chart pushes, birthday billboards, or charity drives orchestrated by a specific group for him. His supporters consist of general football followers who follow his career trajectory rather than a mobilized cult following with rituals or inside jokes. Unlike pop idols with named factions like "Meigas," Meiga's recognition remains tied to his status as a former international goalkeeper and the broader narrative of Indonesian athletic resilience. The absence of a structured fandom reflects a profile built on professional achievement and subsequent personal struggle rather than viral mythology or sustained high-profile engagement.[edit]

Kurnia Meiga's nickname among fans was "Kurnia Meiga Hermansyah," though he often went by just his first two names. He is known to have a deep love for traditional Indonesian food, which is why he chose to sell emping, a type of melinjo cracker, after his playing days. In an interview, he once revealed that his favorite save was a penalty stop against Persib Bandung in 2015. Meiga is also a devoted fan of the English Premier League and has said his idol growing up was Gianluigi Buffon. Off the pitch, Meiga has a quirky habit of wearing his gloves even during casual training sessions. He also collects football jerseys from various clubs and national teams. Despite his illness, he maintains an active presence on social media, where he often shares motivational messages with his followers.[edit]

Kurnia Meiga comes from a footballing family. His older brother, Achmad Kurniawan, was also a goalkeeper and played at a high level before his untimely death. Meiga has often spoken about the influence his brother had on his career, calling him his first coach and biggest supporter. He was married to Azhiera Adzka Fathir, and the couple's marital issues became public in 2024. They have since divorced, and Meiga has faced allegations and counter-allegations regarding the split. Details about his current household are private, but he has been open about the emotional and financial toll the divorce and his illness have taken on him. [edit]

Kurnia Meiga is closely associated with Arema FC, where he spent the most successful years of his career and where his jersey number has been retired. He also played alongside his late brother, Achmad Kurniawan, who was a goalkeeper for the Indonesia national team. Meiga's career overlapped with other Indonesian football stars of his generation, including Evan Dimas and Andik Vermansyah, with whom he shared the pitch for both club and country. [edit]

Kurnia Meiga married Azhiera Adzka Fathir, and the couple's relationship was largely private until 2024, when reports of marital troubles surfaced. In March 2024, news broke that they had divorced, with allegations and counter-allegations exchanged publicly. Meiga's ex-wife clarified that she had not abandoned him during his illness, as some had suggested. The divorce proceedings were complicated by reports that Meiga's ex-wife had been tricked into paying a shaman Rp40 million and buying a one-ton cow, allegedly to remove a curse placed on Meiga. As of 2026, Meiga is reported to be single following the divorce. [edit]

iFANN currently estimates Kurnia Meiga's net worth at $100 Thousand. His primary source of income during his playing career came from his contracts with Persijap Jepara and Arema Cronus, as well as bonuses from the national team. However, his career was cut short by illness, and he has not had a steady income from football since. In recent years, he has been selling emping crackers online to support himself, a venture that has generated modest earnings. He has also received financial assistance from PSSI, which has helped cover some of his medical expenses. Despite his difficulties, Meiga has managed to maintain a small but loyal following on social media, which has occasionally translated into sales for his products.[edit]