How Long Will PSSI Naturalize?

It is feared that naturalized Indonesian national team players will erode local talents (VOI/Ferry Tri Adi Sasono).

JAKARTA - PSSI is increasingly carrying out naturalization for a shortcut to accelerate the strength of the Indonesian national team.

There are already 11 naturalized players in the Garuda Squad. Soon, Shin Tae-yong will add two more names of descendants, Mees Hilgers and Eliano Reijnders.

The naturalization project is also in the spotlight, especially from the DPR RI. A number of members of Commission III and Commission X of the DPR RI questioned how long naturalization will take place.

Furthermore, the Indonesian House of Representatives wants Indonesia to have good coaching so that local talents with good quality emerge so that naturalization is only for short-term projects, not long-term projects.

The General Chairperson (Ketum) of PSSI, Erick Thohir, finally responded to the question when he was present at the Directorate General of Immigration at the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, Jakarta, on Thursday, September 19, 2024.

However, unlike input from the Indonesian House of Representatives, Erick Thohir even mentioned the opposite. He emphasized that the naturalization of players is PSSI's long-term program.

"This is part of the commitment that the national team's construction is not seen from short-term, but medium and long-term sides. We have prepared the talent," said Erick Thohir in a statement quoted on Thursday, September 19, 2024.

The chairman of PSSI also explained that many countries are also naturalizing players for the sake of the national team. This made PSSI take a similar step.

Erick Thohir said, what is important is that the path taken must comply with the rules. He ensured that this naturalization did not violate FIFA rules and was in accordance with domestic regulations.

"That's the main thing (according to FIFA and state rules). The methods are also honorable. Why? FIFA rules explain that every country may naturalize all players. We can see the Dutch national team."

"The ball is a global event and everything is open according to FIFA rules, namely naturalized players who played in their league for five years or who had blood from their father, mother, grandfather, or grandmother."

"Well, it just so happens that the Minister (Kemenkumham) and I have the same commitment. We want to focus on all the best talents of the Indonesian nation abroad to strengthen the national team," said Erick again.

However, the chairman of PSSI claimed that PSSI did not automatically let go of domestic talent development. Development is intensified and young players are prepared for the national age category team.

"Of course the formation of this national team is not short-term. We can see the achievements of our U-19 (Indonesia) who won the 2024 AFF U-19 yesterday, our U-17 (Indonesia) U-17 which unfortunately can only be ranked third (in the 2024 AFF U-16 Cup)," said Erick.

If indeed PSSI carries out coaching well which leads to the emergence of quality local talents, the public needs to collect Erick Thohir's promise in the next few years.

Do not let naturalization be the only way to develop the Indonesian national team and leave local talent on the spot.