A recent movement against the naturalization of national team players has rocked Indonesian football.

The movement became a hot topic after protest banners were displayed on a pedestrian overpass in the capital Jakarta on Sept. 29. The banners read: “Naturalized people are not natives. We are the ones who were born here,” alongside the Football Association of Indonesia’s name (PSSI).

These banners quickly went viral on social media platforms X and Instagram.

Although opposition to naturalized players has existed for some time, it has gained traction as the number of mixed-race players on the national team continues to grow.

A banner protesting naturalized players on a pedestrian overpass in Jakarta, Indonesia. Photo by X/Endragnwn

A banner protesting naturalized players on a pedestrian overpass in Jakarta, Indonesia. Photo by X/Endragnwn

During September’s FIFA international break, Indonesia called up 11 naturalized players, nine of whom were in the starting lineup. Under coach Shin Tae-yong, the team secured impressive draws against Saudi Arabia (1-1) and Australia (0-0) in group C of the 2026 World Cup third qualifying round. Indonesia’s strong run has extended throughout 2024, following their impressive performances in the Asian Cup and U23 Asian Cup.

By October, the number of naturalized players on the team increased to 13, with the addition of Dutch league players Mees Hilgers and Eliano Reijnders. Hilgers, 23, recently helped FC Twente secure a 1-1 draw with Manchester United in the Europa League. Reijnders, 24, currently plays for PEC Zwolle and chose to represent Indonesia, his mother’s homeland, after his brother, Tijjani, earned a spot on the Netherlands national football team.

Other young Dutch players who were recently naturalized and joined U20 Indonesia include Dion Markx (U21 NEC Nijmegen), Tim Geypens (FC Emmen) and Mauresmo Hinoke (TOP Oss).

Indonesias starting lineup in the 0-0 draw with Australia in the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers featured only two native players, Rizky Ridho (bottom right) and Marselino Ferdinan (bottom center). Photo by Indonesia National Football Team (Timmas Indonesia)
The movement has not only spread through banners and social media but also gained support from influential figures, including members of Indonesia’s House of Representatives.

Hifni Hasan, a member of the Indonesian Olympic Committee, has spoken to coach Shin in person.

“I tried to tell him not to bring too many naturalized players into Indonesian football,” Hasan told Saura.

Coach Shin, however, defended the inclusion of naturalized players, saying it’s undeniable that their presence has elevated the national team. He hopes critics will adopt a more open perspective, recognizing the value that these players bring rather than seeing them as a barrier to developing native talents.

PSSI stated that while naturalization is part of a long-term strategy, it is not their main focus. PSSI emphasizes the importance of youth training, coaching development and strengthening domestic leagues as the foundation for the growth of football in the country.

Coach Shin has called up 27 players in preparation for upcoming away matches against Bahrain on Oct. 10 and China on Oct. 15, as part of the third qualifying round for the 2026 World Cup. Indonesia currently sit fourth in group C with two points, trailing Bahrain by one point, Saudi Arabia by two and Japan by four. The team are aiming to secure third or fourth place to advance to the next round.