It is an unwanted record that began as a source of constant disappointment but has now evolved into a running joke, even among Indonesian fans.
With five final appearances to their names without ever winning the title, Indonesia are unable to hide from the fact they remain the AFF Suzuki Cup's perennial bridesmaid.
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For the 9th time in 13 editions of Southeast Asia's premier competition, they are once again through to the semifinals of the Suzuki and will face hosts Singapore over two legs -- starting with Wednesday's opening encounter at the National Stadium.
Indonesia have already done well to get this far, having surprisingly finished top of a group that also included reigning champions Vietnam and 2018 runners-up Malaysia, and will arguably head into the clash with the Singaporeans as slight favourites.
And coach Shin Tae-yong wants his young but talented charges to adopt a similar mindset that has already served them well in the tournament.
"In our first two matches, the focus was on bringing up our fitness levels and adapting to the game plan. Once we reached the third and fourth matches against Vietnam and Malaysia, we went into every match thinking it was a final," Shin told ESPN.
"Since then, I've been telling my boys that we have to go into every match like it is a final. That is the mentality we will have from now on.
"Singapore have produced some good displays and are a good team, so we must avoid looking down on them or taking it easy. My boys are aware of the threat that Singapore can pose."
Indonesia's quest to end their long wait to be crowned champions of Southeast Asia will be further boosted by the arrival of star attacker Egy Maulana, who will belatedly join up with the squad of Tuesday having recently concluded his club commitments for the year.
Nonetheless, Shin revealed that he will resist the temptation to throw the Europe-based Egy -- currently playing in Slovakia with Senica -- straight into the fray.
"He's only arriving today (Tuesday). I will give him a rest tomorrow but then I'm hoping he will be available for our next match (in the second leg)," the South Korean explained.