Jay Idzes Champions the Unity and Dedication of Indonesia's Foreign-Born Football Talent

Jay Idzes is confident that Indonesia’s diverse foreign-born talents comprehend what it means to serve their nation. As the Southeast Asian squad continues to challenge for a spot in the FIFA World Cup, Idzes believes both local and naturalized players share a unified sense of purpose.

Meanwhile, newly appointed coach Patrick Kluivert advises patience, warning against expecting dramatic changes too soon in his era.

Indonesia finds itself in a thrilling position in Group C, tied with three other nations each standing on six points. They’re just a step behind the Socceroos, whose second-place position would grant direct entry to the 2026 World Cup.

Among the 29 players called up by Kluivert, only ten were trained domestically, while the remainder hail from Indonesia’s global diaspora. This strategy, aimed at boosting the team’s strength, has sparked debate within the country.

The influx of European-born players of Indonesian descent has certainly improved the team’s performance and fueled dreams of qualifying for a World Cup, an unattained goal since independence. However, it has also raised concerns about the long-term effects on the growth of local youth football.

Jay Idzes, originally from the Netherlands, chose to honor his Indonesian heritage through his maternal grandmother and joined the national team in late 2023, debuting the following March. For the Venezia player, more crucial than a player’s birthplace is their readiness to “fight” and fulfill their “duty” to the team.