Kluivert Drops 7 Regular Players From Indonesian National Team
JAKARTA - The Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) has released the names of 28 players called up to the Indonesian national team for the fourth round of the 2026 World Cup Asian Qualifiers. Against Saudi Arabia and Iraq, Patrick Kluivert apparently omitted seven regulars.
Marselino Ferdinand was the first name not included in the list. The AS Trencin player was not Kluivert's choice for the two Group B matches of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, held from October 8-14, 2025.
Marselino had previously been consistently trusted to represent the Indonesian national team. He was also included in the Garuda squad for friendlies against Chinese Taipei and Lebanon in September 2025.
Besides Marselino, Mees Hilgers and Ivar Jenner were also included. These two players, who play for the Netherlands, were left out by Kluivert for the two matches that will determine the Indonesian national team's progress to the 2026 World Cup.
Hilgers has not played for FC Twente this season. Meanwhile, Ivar Jenner's availability remains unknown as of the publication of this news, as he was not included in the squad.
Rafael Struick and Adrian Wibowo, who usually play in the forward positions, were also not called up by Kluivert. Previously, Adrian Wibowo made his debut in the Indonesian national team's draw against Lebanon in a FIFA Matchday match on September 8, 2025.
The coach preferred players like Ole Romeny, who has recovered from injury, and Dewa United winger Egy Maulana Vikri.
Two other names who were also marginalized were Pratama Arhan and Asnawi Mangkualam. These two players, who play in the Thai League 1, have failed to attract Kluivert's attention for the matches against Saudi Arabia and Iraq.
List of 7 Players Dropped from Indonesian National Team
- Marselino Ferdinan
- Mees Hilgers
- Ivar Jenner
- Rafael Struick
- Adrian Wibowo
- Pratama Arhan
- Asnawi Mangkualam