Jakarta, Indonesia – The Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) is continuing its pursuit of bolstering the national team with naturalized players, adding a new name to the list of candidates currently under consideration. The move comes as the PSSI looks to strengthen the squad ahead of upcoming international competitions.
Sumardji, a member of the PSSI Executive Committee and Chairman of the National Team (BTN), confirmed the addition on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, stating, “There is one [player] who has entered the naturalization process.” While Sumardji did not disclose the player’s identity or position, he indicated that the individual could potentially reinforce the Garuda – the nickname for the Indonesian national team – in crucial upcoming events.
This development follows earlier statements from PSSI Exco member Arya Sinulingga, who revealed that two potential naturalized players were being evaluated, with both currently playing professionally in Europe. Sinulingga emphasized the importance of securing high-quality players, stating, “We’ll just have to wait and spot. The timing is tight, and I haven’t yet seen the DPR’s schedule for resuming sessions. We will adjust the situation accordingly.”
Sinulingga further clarified that the PSSI is specifically targeting players based in Europe, saying, “Yes, definitely from there [Europe]. We will definitely look for good players. We’ll see about the position later, it will become clear.”
Social media has been abuzz with speculation regarding potential candidates, with names like Pascal Struijk, Jayden Oosterwolde, Daijiro Chirino, and Dean Zandbergen frequently mentioned. Zandbergen, a 24-year-old striker currently playing for VVV-Venlo in the Dutch second division, has garnered particular attention, having scored six goals in 27 appearances this season.
The naturalization process itself is subject to several logistical hurdles, including scheduling considerations with the Indonesian Parliament (DPR). The PSSI must align the process with the DPR’s session schedule to ensure timely approval of any naturalization applications. Here’s a critical step, as naturalization is required for players who do not already possess Indonesian citizenship to be eligible to represent the national team in official competitions.
Sumardji, who too serves as manager of Bhayangkara FC, brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously served as Chairman of the PSSI National Team (BTN). According to Wikipedia, he has been a perwira (officer) in the Kepolisian Negara Republik Indonesia (Indonesian National Police) since 2001, currently holding the rank of Komisaris Besar Polisi (Senior Commissioner of Police). His background in both law enforcement and football administration positions him as a key figure in navigating the complexities of player naturalization.
The PSSI’s push for naturalized players reflects a broader strategy to enhance the competitiveness of the Indonesian national team on the international stage. The team has faced challenges in recent years, and the addition of players with international experience and skillsets is seen as a vital step towards achieving greater success. The recent dismissal of Indra Sjafri as head coach following the 2025 SEA Games failure underscores the urgency of these efforts, as the PSSI seeks to revitalize the national team program.
The decision to pursue naturalization is not without its complexities. Balancing the desire for immediate improvement with the long-term development of Indonesian football talent remains a key consideration for the PSSI. The association is committed to ensuring that any naturalized players integrate seamlessly into the team and contribute positively to the overall development of the sport in Indonesia.
As the PSSI continues to evaluate potential candidates and navigate the naturalization process, fans will be eagerly awaiting further updates. The addition of new talent could prove crucial as Indonesia prepares for upcoming challenges in regional and international competitions. The next steps will involve identifying the new player, submitting the necessary documentation to the DPR, and hoping for a swift and successful conclusion to the process.
The PSSI has not yet announced a timeline for when the new player might be eligible to represent the national team, but the association is working diligently to expedite the process. Fans can stay updated on the latest developments through official PSSI channels and reputable sports news outlets.
