The Anthropology of Football in Indonesia: The Naturalisation Discourse
Since 2010, Indonesian football has witnessed a surge in naturalisation, notably ahead of the AFF Suzuki Cup. Names like Christian Gonzales and Irfan Bachdim epitomise this shift, obtaining Indonesian citizenship and the chance to represent the national team. Gonzales fulfilled residency requirements and married an Indonesian citizen, while Bachdim, a Dutch-Indonesian, identified as Indonesian at age 17 while growing up in Holland.
This marked the inception of Indonesia's naturalisation programme in football, later extending its reach to other sports like basketball. Following Gonzales and Bachdim, the trend continued with players such as Kim Jeffrey Kurniawan. A standout memory was Indonesia granting Diego Michiels, another Dutch-Indonesian footballer from Deventer, citizenship to represent Indonesia's U-23 team at the SEA Games 2011 at just 21 years old. Since then, over 40 players have undergone the naturalisation process.
Recent and prospective beneficiaries of Indonesian citizenship enabling them to represent the national team include Ragnar Oratmangoen (Dutch; playing in Eredivisie for Fortuna Sittard), Jay Idzes (Dutch; competing in Serie B for Venezia), Nathan Tjoe-A-On (Dutch; active in the EFL Championship with Swansea City), and Thom Haye (Dutch with Javanese-Celebes roots; playing in Eredivisie for SC Heerenveen). Notably, among the recent Indonesian-naturalised players who've joined Shin Tae-Yong's squad are Ivan Jenner, Rafael Struijck, Shayne Pattynama, Elkan Baggott, Jordy Amat, Marc Klok, and Ilija Spasojevic.
In a statement reported by detikSport on November 19th, 2023, PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir emphasised the rigour of the selection process for potential naturalised players, stressing the meticulous assessment of their performance, abilities, and family origins. Thohir also affirmed:
'Currently, there are several naturalised players with Indonesian lineage from their parents or family. If they meet citizenship requirements, they possess the same rights as any other citizens to fortify the national team.'
This assurance underscores the recruitment of players whose exceptional abilities and mental prowess are poised to bolster the national team's success in various matches and competitions.
As long as the end goal remains focused on the advancement of Indonesian football, I am a staunch supporter of the naturalisation program. Players like Jordi Amat and Elkan Baggott bring invaluable European top-level experience that has the potential to elevate the overall skill set within Indonesian football. Their exposure to diverse training methods, nutritional regimes, and overall professional experience stands to benefit local players. Interestingly, most of the currently naturalised players are under the age of 26, signifying a promising future in their careers. However, there have been concerns about these players potentially experiencing a decline by transitioning to the Indonesian league, despite Jordi Amat's current stint in the Malaysian league facing criticism for not continuing in a European league.
The tactical aspect and coach demand are the second reason the naturalisation right now is ongoing. Diving into the reasons behind Shin Tae-yong's request, which prompted PSSI to include naturalisation in their work programme, reveals a unique aspect of player naturalisation during STY's coaching era. According to a March 9th, 2023, Libero.id article, the majority of naturalised players during Shin Tae-yong's tenure predominantly occupied defensive positions like Sandy Walsh, Shayne Pattynama, Elkan Baggott, and Jordi Amat.
The coach observed that Indonesia's defensive line is not yet robust, particularly when encountering dead-ball situations. Instances like set-piece plays often expose Indonesia's vulnerability, especially in aerial duels. Addressing the lack of height in Indonesian players, Shin Tae-yong aims to naturalise individuals with a lineage conducive to taller statures, particularly in defensive positions. Furthermore, Shin Tae-yong's naturalisation choices align with his tactical philosophy. In his system, fullbacks play a pivotal role, necessitating strategic reinforcements through naturalisation. This strategic approach indicates a deliberate effort to align the national team with the coach's gameplay philosophy.
Moreover, their presence serves as a catalyst, inspiring local players to set higher standards and motivating them to compete at an international level. Since the onset of naturalisation and the rise of social media, we've witnessed a shift in the aspirations of young local players like Pratama Arhan, Marselino Ferdinan, and Asnawi Mangkualam, who now aspire to move abroad to maintain competitive standards in line with these naturalised players.
A critical aspect I emphasise is the off-field contributions of these naturalised players. Notably, the initiatives by Marc Klok with Status Pro Sport and Jacksen F. Tiago's coaching endeavours serve as exemplary models of how these players can positively impact Indonesian football beyond the confines of the pitch. Looking ahead, it's my hope that they dedicate more time to imparting knowledge and experiences to young talents across Indonesia. Establishing social programmes, local academies, or organising football festivals in regional areas or schools can be pivotal in nurturing and inspiring local talents. These naturalised players possess the potential to become exemplary ambassadors for Indonesian football, bridging gaps rather than creating distinctions among locals.
However, any policy, regardless of its intentions, tends to breed conflicts and varied opinions. One pressing concern emerges when the criteria for naturalisation lack transparency or when players fail to establish their connection to Indonesia, sparking a sense of unfairness among local talents. There have been instances where several naturalised players failed to meet the high standards expected. Recall names like Sergio Van Dijk, Ruben Wuarbanaran, Jhon Van Beukering, and Tonnie Cussel. When these players couldn't match expectations, it's understandable why local players might harbour frustration and oppose the program. The perception that naturalised players have an easier route to the national team might leave local talents feeling undervalued and demotivated.
Another critique of this programme stems from the league's regulations concerning the foreign player quota. This situation has led some clubs to devise strategies to exceed the quota limit. Take, for instance, Marc Klok, whom I genuinely respect as both a person and a footballer. However, the details surrounding his naturalisation case raise concerns. He has played in Indonesia since 2017 for PSM Makassar and gained Indonesian citizenship in 2020 while with Persija Jakarta. According to the regulations, he didn't meet the requirement for Indonesian citizenship as he had lived in Indonesia for less than 5 years. Yet, a November 12th, 2020, CNN Indonesia article mentioned that Klok's great-grandparents hailed from Makassar. There remains uncertainty around players like Jordi Amat, lacks concrete evidence or verification.
Article 9 of Law Number 12 of 2006 outlines specific conditions for acquiring Indonesian citizenship through the application for citizenship or naturalisation. These conditions include residency, age, mental and physical health, language proficiency in Indonesian, adherence to state ideology, no dual citizenship, stable income, and payment of citizenship fees. Article 19 expands on requirements, including lawful marriage to an Indonesian citizen, while Article 20 provides the possibility of acquiring citizenship based on services rendered to Indonesia or for state interests. The President, after due deliberation by the House of Representatives, could potentially justify cases like Marc Klok or Jordi Amat, despite their lack of direct kinship in recent generations or not fulfilling the general criteria, using the latter clause, which is used by the federation for naturalisation purposes.
The football federation's grassroots development has been lacking, impeding the discovery and nurturing of local talent and stunting Indonesian football's growth. Initiatives like the Elite Pro Academy and Garuda Select have raised questions regarding their effectiveness. The Elite Pro Academy, marred by clubs acquiring entire squads from local schools, reflects a system prioritising convenience over genuine talent cultivation. Clubs' view of academies as a financial burden impedes progress; shifting this mindset is crucial, as youth investments can yield returns through player transfers. The Garuda Select programme, initially for 18–20 prospects under PSSI and Djarum, has evolved to include talents beyond Indonesia. A much better programme, albeit with room for improvement, Garuda Select has shown promise. Success stories like Hokky Caraka and Witan Sulaeman trained in the UK reveal a potential pathway, notably partnerships with clubs like Serie B's Como FC, providing opportunities for players who might not find them in Indonesia.
Indonesia's rich multiethnic, multiracial, and multicultural tapestry offers a wealth of regional diversity in football players. Acknowledging the distinct physical and mental attributes across regions underscores the potential for discovering hidden talents through targeted scouting initiatives in diverse areas. However, fostering professional and credible football leagues in each region must complement this potential with robust infrastructure and academies at the local level. The current critique of existing academies and the dire need for a cohesive U-12 to U-21 network underscore the glaring infrastructure gap, exacerbated by the federation and clubs' lack of earnestness.
Imagine crafting a sweeping blueprint for Indonesian football, drawing from the diverse landscapes of Sumatra, Java, Borneo, Celebes, Ambon, Bali, Nusa Tenggara, and Papua. This expansive vision integrates insights from disciplines like anthropology, sociology, sports nutrition, and more. Imagine having extensive data profiling people in various cities, regions, and provinces, creating a tailored Indonesian football profile. With such comprehensive data, the federation could forge alliances with partners who align with these generational talents' profiles. For instance, nationwide research across 36 provinces could reveal that Indonesian players exhibit natural skills and physical strength yet suffer from educational deficiencies and economic constraints, hampering their professionalism and commitment levels. Despite diverse backgrounds, a shared passion for football unites them, often prioritising flair over tactical discipline. Leveraging this data, the federation could strategically design a national football curriculum, enhance Filanesia comprehensively, and expand beyond on-field tactics and strategy. This includes developing guidelines for local academies and planning infrastructural advancements, like football sports gyms and medical facilities. The federation could reconcile the conflict between naturalisation and local talents by comprehending the untapped potential within our borders and partnering with individuals who understand how to harness it. These facets, working in synergy, could empower Indonesian football to assert its dominance on the global stage.
One of the prime examples of harnessing the uniqueness of football in a local region with a multidisciplinary approach lies in Papua. Here, the football identity shines brightly, offering a glimpse into the rich football heritage of Indonesia. Known as the 'Mutiara Hitam' (Black Pearl), this region has continuously produced football gems across generations—players like Boaz Solossa, Elie Aiboy, Ricardo Salampessy, Eduard Ivakdalam, Patrick Wanggai, Titus Bonai, and many more. Their innate talents—speed, flair, and dribbling prowess—form an integral part of their football heritage.
Persipura Jayapura, representing this identity, once epitomised Indonesian football's prowess on the Asian stage. Their consistent league success, frequent participation in Asian competitions, and substantial presence on the national team highlighted their significance. However, the club has regrettably slipped to the second tier (Liga 2) due to a lack of sustained investment (once tied to Freeport) and a lagging governance structure. This decline may impede their return to the major leagues anytime soon.
The erosion of a club like Persipura—once a beacon for local talent—is a stark illustration of the consequences of inadequate planning and insufficient support. It's not merely a loss for Papua's football scene, but a loss resonating across Indonesian football.
In conclusion, my stance isn't against naturalisation in Indonesian football. I firmly believe that locals can glean invaluable lessons from these players, and naturalised individuals rightfully possess the same privileges to represent our country, beneficial for national team achievement in the International stages. Instead of solely basing representation on birthplace or residency, players must earn the right to represent the national team. As the standard of football ascends annually, the quest for quality becomes more stringent, demanding continual improvement.
However, it's imperative to address the concerns and discontent among local talents. The dissatisfaction stems from a lack of equitable opportunities, emphasising the pressing need for a level playing field where meritocracy prevails. The federation's historical oversight of fostering sustainable grassroots programmes and football academies remains a glaring issue. Moving forward, there's an urgent call for the federation to prioritise and actualize these programmes in collaboration with primary and secondary stakeholders.
Moreover, there's a personal hope that academic institutions with an interest in football, such as universities' departments of anthropology, sociology, politics, economy and business, engineering, and others, could contribute significantly. Their willingness to delve deeper into local regions could yield valuable insights for Indonesian football's development. Their findings and analyses could offer vital solutions, as this issue transcends mere gameplay—it's about shaping the image, face, and identity of Indonesian football.
The seamless integration of local talents and naturalised players stands as a pivotal task for the federation. Finding the delicate balance between the two entities demands meticulous planning and inclusive policies. This presents a significant challenge, but resolving this harmony is a fundamental obligation for the industry moving forward.