KOMPAS.com – Chairperson of the Indonesian ES Hockey Federation (FHEI), Ronald Situmeang, emphasized that the purpose of the naturalization carried out by his party was solely to pursue achievement and giving stimulus to the sport of hockey in Indonesia.
Not only PSSI, FHEI also helped carry out naturalization that was projected to defend the Indonesian Es Es Hockey National Team.
The naturalization process of four Russian descent athletes submitted by FHEI was approved by Commission X and XIII of the Indonesian Parliament at a meeting held at the DPR/MPR RI building, Jakarta, Tuesday (8/26/2025).
The four athletes are Evgenii Nurislamov (43 years), Artem Bezrukov (43 years), Svelii Molchanov (19 years), and Adel Khabibullin (21 years).
Ronald revealed that this naturalization was actually planned about two years ago. However, it was only realized in 2025.
According to Ronald, this naturalization is needed to improve the quality of the Indonesian ES Hockey National Team which is pursuing achievements at the international level.
Starting from the SEA Games 2025 as the closest Multieventi at the end of this year then tiered to the Asian Winter Games as well as the Winter Olympics.
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“We have prepared this naturalization from 2 years ago. The goal is, we want to have an acceleration so that the national team can be competitive in foreign matches for the ES Hockey Branch from Southeast Asia to the world,” Ronald said when contacted by Kompas.com, Tuesday (8/26/2025).
“So, speaking of short -term targets, the naturalization of four players from Russia is of course in order to be more competitive. Moreover, at the end of this year we also have an SEA Games event in Thailand,” he explained.
With the presence of four Russian naturalized players, Ronald also dared to increase the target at the 2025 SEA Games with a gold medal home.
Not only for this year, but also in the next two editions, SEA Games 2027 and 2029.
“With the addition of these four naturalized players, which we have tried to measure, the target is to enter the final, but as much as possible gold,” said Ronald.
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The reason for choosing Russia
Questioning the athlete’s election, Ronald said the reason for naturalizing Russian athletes to become Indonesian citizens (WNI).
According to him, Russia is one of the countries with the best ice hockey achievements in the world.
They have a competition called the Continental Hockey League (KHL) which is the second strongest Ice Hockey League in the world after the North American National Hockey League.
Key Data: Naturalization and the Future of Indonesian ES Hockey
To better understand the impact of this naturalization, letS examine key data points and their implications for Indonesian ES hockey:
| Category | Details | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Athlete Naturalization | Four Russian-descent athletes: Evgenii nurislamov (43), Artem Bezrukov (43), svelii molchanov (19), and Adel Khabibullin (21) | Brings experienced players to the Indonesian ES Hockey National Team, potentially raising the skill level and competitiveness. the age range offers a mix of experience and future potential. |
| Timing of Naturalization | Planned approximately two years prior to approval in August 2025; realization in 2025. | Demonstrates a proactive strategy by the FHEI to boost performance in upcoming competitions, especially with the 2025 SEA Games looming. |
| targeted Competitions | SEA Games 2025 (Thailand), Asian Winter Games, Winter Olympics. | Highlights the ambitious, long-term goals of the FHEI to establish Indonesia as a competitive force in international ES hockey. |
| Selection Rationale (Russia) | Russia is a world leader in ice hockey; home to the second-strongest league (KHL). | Leverages Russia’s strong ice hockey infrastructure and player development to strengthen the Indonesian team. |
| Projected Outcomes (SEA Games 2025) | Gold medal target at SEA Games 2025 and subsequent editions (2027, 2029). | Sets clear, measurable objectives, indicating confidence in the team’s improved capabilities after naturalization. |
Image alt Text: Table comparing the strategic goals of Indonesian ES Hockey aiming at more success in the Ice hockey arena.
SEO-Pleasant FAQ: Indonesian ES Hockey Naturalization
This FAQ provides answers to common questions, enhancing search visibility and reader engagement:
Q: What is the primary reason for naturalizing athletes for the Indonesian ES Hockey National Team?
A: The main goal is to enhance the team’s competitiveness and pursue achievements in international competitions, including the SEA Games, Asian Winter Games, and the Winter Olympics.
Q: Which athletes were naturalized to play for Indonesia?
A: Four athletes of Russian descent were naturalized: Evgenii Nurislamov, Artem Bezrukov, Svelii Molchanov, and Adel Khabibullin.
Q: Why were Russian athletes chosen for naturalization?
A: Russia is recognized as a top ice hockey nation worldwide, boasting a strong league structure which will help the Indonesian team in the future.
Q: When will the naturalized players be able to compete?
A: The naturalized players are expected to be eligible to compete immediately after naturalization, starting with the 2025 SEA Games, among other competitions.
Q: What are the immediate goals for the indonesian ES Hockey National Team following the naturalization?
A: The immediate target is to win gold at the 2025 SEA Games. This is part of a broader strategy to build a competitive ice hockey team for the nation.
Q: How does this naturalization help the ES Hockey in general?
A: by integrating accomplished players, the federation hopes to inspire the development of new talent and grow public interest in ES Hockey.