For The Sake Of Ambition To The 2026 World Cup, Ole Romeny And Jamendro Riedewald Immediately Arrive To The Indonesian National Team

JAKARTA In an effort to strengthen its squad, the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) is processing the naturalization of two players of Dutch descent, Ole Romeny and Jamenro Riedewald. Both are expected to be key elements in Indonesia's great mission to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. Their presence provides new optimism for football fans in the country, given the experience and quality they bring.

Ole Romeny, a 24-year-old striker who recently moved from FC Utrecht to Oxford United for a transfer fee of two million euros, is in the process of naturalizing to join the Indonesian national team. This player has an Indonesian lineage from his grandmother, who was born in the country. In an interview with the podcast #DoneDealVoetbalPrimeur, Romeny expressed his enthusiasm.

"My grandmother was born in Indonesia. It feels very special, I get a lot of love from there. I am very open to it," he said. In fact, he admitted that he had spoken directly with the chairman of PSSI, Erick Thohir, who indicated his seriousness in defending the Garuda Team. Currently, Romeny's naturalization process is running, and he is expected to be able to join the team soon.

Romeny's presence is considered a solution to the lack of options in front of the Indonesian national team. With the experience of playing at the Eredivisie and playing in various attacking positions, he is considered to be an important addition in Indonesia's struggle to get tickets to the 2026 World Cup.

Meanwhile, PSSI is also processing the naturalization of Jasaro Riedewald, a 28-year-old versatile player who currently plays for the Royal Antwerp FC. Riedewald, who has defended Ajax and Crystal Palace, has the ability to play as defenders and midfielders. This player has Indonesian lineage from his grandmother, which gives him the right to be naturalized.

VoetbalPrimeur reports that the Riedewald naturalization process has started since September 2024. Although he also has the option to defend Suriname, Riedewald's choice appears to fall to Indonesia. If this process is complete, it will be a valuable addition to the team now being raised by Patrick Kluivert, a former Dutch national team star.

Kluivert, which has been announced as the head coach of the Indonesian national team, is expected to bring his experience and vision to bring Indonesia to the world stage. The presence of Riedewald will strengthen its back and center lines, providing much-needed stability in international competitions.

Currently, Indonesia occupies the third position in Group C of the Asian zone World Cup Qualification. With one win, three draws, and three defeats, Indonesia's chances of qualifying are still open, although not easy. The top two teams from each group will automatically qualify for the World Cup, while third and fourth place will continue to the next phase.

Indonesië zet in op de volgende versterking voor het nationale elftal: drievoudig Oranje-international Jaïro #Riedewald is in beeld. De Indonesische bond werkt hard aan een mogelijke komst van de oud-Ajacied, die kan samenwerken met Patrick #Kluivert 🇮🇩https://t.co/5AvWYjodNp

— Dennie van Laar (@DennievanLaar) January 6, 2025

Indonesië zet in op de volgende versterking voor het nationale elftal: drievoudig Oranje-international Jaïro #Riedewald is in beeld. De Indonesische bond werkt hard aan een mogelijke komst van de oud-Ajacied, die kan samenwerken met Patrick #Kluivert 🇮🇩https://t.co/5AvWYjodNp

On March 20, Indonesia is scheduled to face Australia in an away match. It is likely that both Romeny and Riedewald will be included in the list of players for this important match. Their presence is expected to have a major impact on the journey of the Indonesian national team towards new history.

With changes to FIFA rules, players who have previously played for one country can now change national teams if they meet certain criteria. This opens up opportunities for players like Riedewald, who had defended the Dutch national team in three international matches in 2015. If this process is successful, the presence of Riedewald will be a big impetus for the Indonesian national team.

If the naturalization of these two players is successful, they will join a number of Dutch players who have defended the Indonesian national team. Some of the names that have already joined are Maarten Paes (FC Dallas), Eliano Reijnders (PEC Zwolle), Calvin Verdok (NEC), Thom Haye (Almere City), Ragnar Oratmangoen (FCV Dender), and Mees Hilgers (FC Twenty).

This strategy is part of PSSI's big vision to strengthen the team with quality diaspora players. In fact, PSSI is reportedly trying to persuade Mitchel Bakker, full-back of Lille OSC, to join. Bakker, who has an Indonesian lineage from his grandfather, is considered an additional potential to strengthen the defense.

PSSI is now working hard to complete all the formalitys so that Romeny and Riedewald can immediately join the Indonesian national team. The ambition to penetrate the world stage is even more real with the presence of quality players from the diaspora. With the experience and skills they bring, Romeny and Riedewald can become important pillars on Indonesia's journey to the 2026 World Cup.

As part of the long-term vision, PSSI also continues to look for other talents from the diaspora to strengthen the team. This step demonstrates the federation's serious commitment to building a competitive team at the international level. With full support from fans, players, and coaches, Indonesia has the opportunity to create a new history in world football.