Elkan Baggott Bela Indonesia's Future Is Still Strange

Indonesian national team player Elkan Baggot. (Doc. Instagram @elkanbaggott)

JAKARTA Elkan Baggott's opportunity to return to strengthening the Indonesian national team is still complicated. Most recently he was not summoned for the third round of the Asian zone 2026 World Cup Qualification.

Chairman of the All-Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) Erick Thohir said that the player should open himself up so that his chances are not lost.

"I see Elkan is a potential player for Indonesia, but again we are the national team. Team games can't be just one [individuals]," Erick told the media crew on Friday, September 6.

The Indonesian national team coach Shin Tae Yong (STY) has yet to express clear reasons regarding his decision not to call the 21-year-old player.

However, the main problem allegedly started when Baggott did not heed STY's call to strengthen the U-23 national team which competed in the 2024 Olympic playoffs last May.

Erick suggested that Elkan need to find a match that is in line with STY's vision and mission. Moreover, he has enormous potential as a defender in the Garuda squad.

"The opportunity for achievement is much bigger with the Indonesian national team than when he joined the national team of other countries. Elkan needs to think about the values he got when he was with the Indonesian national team," he said.

STY's decision not to summon Elkan Baggott into Garuda's troops received support from Erick. The former Inter Milan president said that STY certainly adhered to his principles as a coach.

"Shin Tae Yong in principle has a strict policy and must respect. As the General Chair of PSSI, if the database of 150 players is not enough, yes, we will continue to look for it," said Erick.

Elkan Baggott was recorded as having strengthened the Indonesian national team 22 times and scored two goals.

His last appearance in a Garuda uniform was when Indonesia competed in the round of 16 of the 2023 Asian Cup which took place on January 28, 2024.