Indonesia has increasingly relied on naturalized players of mainly Dutch descent under previous coaches Shin Tae-yong and Patrick Kluivert, a strategy that helped lift the team’s international profile and results.
Like his predecessors, Herdman said he would not rule out further naturalization as Indonesia seeks to narrow the gap with stronger footballing nations and compete more consistently at the highest level.
“To compete on the world stage, you need first- and second-tier players who have played in the world’s top five leagues,” Herdman told reporters after his first press conference in Jakarta on Tuesday.
“You need players who understand the intensity, speed and tactical intelligence of international football,” he said, adding that experience at elite levels often reflects a player’s true quality.
Herdman said Indonesia has reached a stage where many players are keen to represent the country, noting the passion, energy and commitment shown by both domestic players and those based abroad.
He was responding to a question on whether he would scout players of Indonesian descent from England, his country of origin, as part of a broader talent search.
The 50-year-old coach said nationality would not limit his approach, stressing he would look for the best available players regardless of where they play or were developed.
Indonesia currently has one player of British descent, defender Elkan Baggott, who last represented the senior national team at the 2023 Asian Cup two years ago.
“We are trying to bring the best players to this country,” Herdman said. “Convincing them to play for Indonesia is a big step because they often have other options.”
He added that clear pathways, competitive matches and a strong team vision would be crucial to attracting high-caliber players to commit to Indonesia.
Herdman’s immediate focus is the FIFA Series, scheduled to take place at Jakarta’s Gelora Bung Karno Stadium during the March 23–31 FIFA Match Days.
He will then lead Indonesia in FIFA Match Days in June, September, October and November, as well as the 2026 AFF Cup, which is set to kick off on July 25.
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Translator: Zaro Ezza, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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