Dutch Media Reports John Heitinga As Candidate For Indonesian National Team Coach

John Heitinga entered the stock exchange for the candidate for coach of the Indonesian national team (Instagram/@johnheitinga).

JAKARTA - The well-known Dutch media, Voetbal Primeur, reported that John Heatinga was included as a candidate for coach of the Indonesian national team. The name was linked because he was not coaching any team.

Voetbal Primeur said that Heatinga had shown her willingness to cooperate with the Indonesian national team. This was required by the coach through uploads on his social media.

"John Heitinga hinted at the collaboration with the Indonesian national team through his Instagram account. At the same time, the former defender (Dutch National Team) followed the Indonesian national team's Instagram account, the chairman of PSSI (Erick Thohir), and the advisor of the Indonesian national team Jordi Cruyff."

"Currently, the position of coach of the Indonesian national team is still vacant and Heitinga is also unemployed. The former footballer who has Indonesian blood has just left Ajax Amsterdam due to disappointing results."

"Following three accounts (Indonesian National Team, Erick Thohir, and Jordi Cruyff) raises speculation about possible collaborations," wrote Voetbal Primeur, quoted Tuesday, December 9, 2025.

After retiring as a player, Heitinga did continue his career as coach of the Ajax youth team from 2016 to 2021.

He also briefly became Ajax's interim coach from January to June 2023. However, then Heatinga was brought in by David Moyes as assistant coach of West Ham United in the 2023/2024 season.

Along with Arne Slot's arrival to Liverpool in 2024/2025, Heitinga was also invited as assistant coach of the Reds. The English Premier title became the fruit of his work with the coaching team.

At the beginning of this season, Heitinga was trusted to be Ajax Amsterdam's coach. Unfortunately, the Dutch capital-based team struggled in the Champions League.

Even at the Eredivisie, Ajax was not dominant even at the top. This inconsistent situation then made Heitinga terminated in November 2025.