Indonesia Eyes Two New European-Based Diaspora Players to Strengthen National Team

The Indonesian national team could soon welcome additional talent from overseas as head coach John Herdman reportedly looks to recruit two diaspora players currently playing in Europe. While the identities of these players have not been publicly revealed, the plan reflects the team’s continued effort to strengthen its squad by tapping into players of Indonesian descent abroad.

Information about the potential additions surfaced through Noor Korompot, a special staff member at Indonesia’s Ministry of Law. He indicated that the coaching staff has been exploring options to bring in new players with Indonesian heritage who could contribute to the national team. Discussions about this strategy reportedly followed a meeting between the Minister of Law, Supratman Andi Agtas, and the Minister of Youth and Sports as well as chairman of the national football federation, Erick Thohir.

If the targeted players do not yet hold Indonesian passports, they would need to go through the naturalization process before becoming eligible to represent the country. This approach has already become a key part of Indonesia’s football development strategy in recent years, especially as the federation seeks to improve the national team’s competitiveness on the international stage.

Since Erick Thohir assumed leadership of Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) in early 2023, the organization has naturalized a significant number of players with Indonesian roots. Many of them now play important roles in the national squad, including figures such as Jay Idzes, Ivar Jenner, Rafael Struick, Justin Hubner, and Nathan Tjoe-A-On. These additions have helped broaden the team’s depth and raise the overall level of competition within the squad.

Looking ahead, Indonesia faces a busy international schedule. The team is set to host the FIFA Series later in March 2026, welcoming teams such as Bulgaria national football team, Solomon Islands national football team, and Saint Kitts and Nevis national football team. Beyond that tournament, the national side is preparing for several major competitions, including the AFF Championship and the AFC Asian Cup 2027, with ambitious goals of winning the regional title and reaching the quarterfinal stage in Asia.