BOGOR - The naturalization program for players for the Indonesian national team will not stop. However, PSSI emphasized that the policy is still limited to players who have Indonesian ancestry.
PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir said naturalization is still part of the strategy to strengthen the national team. At the same time, PSSI remains focused on developing local players through youth competitions and tiered coaching.
"Naturalization is definitely still a part. Moreover, the commitment to naturalization that we make is to athletes who have our blood," said Erick in Hambalang, Bogor, Friday (19/6).
According to Erick, the players of descent who joined the national team also showed great commitment to defending Indonesia.
Therefore, PSSI is trying to maintain a balance between the recruitment of players of descent and the development of local talent.
He gave an example of many young Indonesian players who have started to show promising potential, including at the age group level.
"The balance between the preparation of the senior national team and the young ones must continue to be maintained," he said.
Erick said national team coach John Herdman also continued to monitor the development of Indonesian young players. One of them can be seen from the direct monitoring carried out in various regions to find new talents.
In addition, the naturalization process for players Becker and Fikri is also continuing. Erick said the next stage was waiting for an official letter from the DPR to the government before the oath of citizenship was taken.
"I wait for the DPR. After that, I will go to the President," he said.
For PSSI, the naturalization policy is positioned as part of a strategy to strengthen the national team while preparing a generation of local players for the future.
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