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Home Football Kluivert’s Arrival Marks Indonesia’s Dutch Shift in Football

Kluivert’s Arrival Marks Indonesia’s Dutch Shift in Football

Indonesia’s football landscape is undergoing a significant change with the appointment of Patrick Kluivert as head coach. The former Dutch football star’s arrival follows a period of transformation within the national team, marked by an influx of Dutch-born players and a growing emphasis on naturalization.

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Kluivert’s appointment on Wednesday is a clear indicator of the country’s shift towards Dutch influence in football. The team has seen a surge in European players eligible to represent Indonesia, with many of them born in the Netherlands. This shift is a reflection of the country’s colonial past, which continues to shape the national team.

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Ahead of a crucial World Cup qualifier against Saudi Arabia in November, eight of the starting players were born in the Netherlands, with more players expected to follow. The Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) has been fast-tracking the naturalization of players with Dutch roots, a legacy of the colonial era that ended in 1945.

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The impact of these new additions was evident when Indonesia faced Vietnam in March. “Sometimes we tease each other, not knowing whether we are playing against the Dutch team or Indonesia,” said Vietnam midfielder Do Duy Manh, reflecting on the growing strength of the Indonesian side.

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The changes in the team had a direct impact on the job security of Shin Tae-yong, who was dismissed as head coach last Monday. Despite leading the team to third place in their World Cup qualifying group, Shin’s inability to communicate effectively with players and staff was cited as a key reason for his departure. His lack of proficiency in English, Dutch, or the local language made it difficult for him to engage with the team, a challenge that Kluivert is expected to address.

Shin’s dismissal has sparked debate, with many feeling that he was unfairly removed. His son, Shin Jae-won, expressed his frustration on social media, highlighting the progress Indonesia made under his father’s guidance, including a 50-place rise in the FIFA rankings over five years.

Despite the controversy, Kluivert’s appointment brings a new chapter to Indonesia’s football journey. Although his coaching experience is limited compared to his playing career, Kluivert’s background as an assistant to Louis van Gaal with the Netherlands and Clarence Seedorf with Cameroon has earned him recognition. His previous managerial roles with Curaçao were short-lived, but his high-profile playing career at Ajax and Barcelona is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the team.

The PSSI, under chairman Erick Thohir, is eager to elevate the team’s tactical approach, and Kluivert’s presence is seen as a means of attracting top talent from the Netherlands. The naturalization policy is a long-term plan, with the goal of enhancing the team’s competitiveness on the world stage.

However, concerns remain about the extent of naturalization and its impact on local players. Some, like Hifni Hasan from Indonesia’s Olympic Committee, have voiced concerns that local talent might be overlooked in favor of foreign-born players.

If Indonesia succeeds in qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, much of the criticism will likely fade. Kluivert could become a national hero, and Thohir’s political career may take a significant boost. But failure to qualify could raise questions about the team’s composition and whether a squad made up mostly of foreign-born players can truly represent the football-loving nation.

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