At 38 years old, Radja Nainggolan has expressed public regret over his decision to represent Belgium internationally rather than Indonesia.
The Financial and Cultural Appeal of the Garuda Squad
Nainggolan, who currently plays for Patro Eisden, pointed to the tangible rewards now available to players of Indonesian descent who choose to represent the national team. According to detiksport, he highlighted the commercial opportunities that accompany a career with the Indonesian side, specifically mentioning sponsorships from luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Hublot, and Rolex. He contrasted this with the experience of Ivar Jenner, who plays for Jong Utrecht, suggesting that the platform provided by the Indonesian national team offers a unique path for professional and personal branding.
Beyond the financial incentives, Nainggolan emphasized the intense passion of the Indonesian fanbase. He recounted his experiences observing the team, noting that stadiums are frequently filled with tens of thousands of spectators. “There are seventy thousand people for a match against Vietnam or Iraq, they are that fanatical,” Nainggolan said, as quoted by detiksport.
Reflecting on a Career in Belgium
Looking back at his own international career, Nainggolan admitted that he did not fully grasp the long-term potential of representing Indonesia during his prime. He suggested that had he committed to the Indonesian national team earlier, he could have maintained a 15-year career with the squad, providing a different trajectory for his post-playing days. “At that time I didn’t think about it, but now after turning 38, I see it in a different way,” he told Het Nieuwsblad, via detiksport.
Adaptation and Life in Jakarta
Nainggolan’s connection to Indonesia is rooted in his professional stint with Bhayangkara FC, where he played from 2023 to 2024. During that period, he experienced significant cultural adjustments, including the local rhythm of daily life in Jakarta. CNN Indonesia reported on his experience living on the 28th floor of a building in the capital, where he often struggled to coordinate online gaming sessions with friends in Belgium due to the time difference and the early morning call of the adhan.
Despite these challenges, Nainggolan noted that he found the experience rewarding. He specifically recalled participating in the dawn meals during the month of Ramadan, describing the practice as a positive and special part of his time in the country.
The Path to Bhayangkara FC
The journey to his Indonesian club career was not his original plan. VIVA.co.id reported that Nainggolan initially intended to retire after leaving the Italian club SPAL in 2023. However, an invitation from Erick Thohir, who had served as President of Inter Milan and is now the Chairman of PSSI, to serve as an ambassador for the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup changed his outlook. Although he had expressed a preference for joining Persija Jakarta or Bali United, he ultimately signed with Bhayangkara FC.
During his six-month tenure with the club, Nainggolan made 10 appearances, scoring one goal and recording three assists. He noted that the financial compensation—which he cited as approximately 400,000 euros—was competitive compared to his previous earnings in Italy, further highlighting the growing economic profile of the Indonesian league for international players.
As Nainggolan continues his career with Patro Eisden, the question of how his international legacy might have differed remains a point of reflection for the veteran midfielder.
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