Honestly, using naturalized players like this hinders the development of domestic football.

Indonesia's 'BolaSports' reported on the 23rd (Korean time) that "Dutch-born critics have also expressed negative opinions regarding the naturalization rush of the Indonesian national team," quoting a critic named Vincent Schiltkamp who stated, "A team with 10 out of 11 starting players being naturalized cannot succeed."

Under manager Kluivert, Indonesia suffered a shocking 1-5 defeat to Australia in the '2026 FIFA North and Central America World Cup Asian Qualifiers Group C seventh match' held on the 20th at Sydney Football Stadium. Indonesia, with 1 win, 3 draws, and 3 losses, is in fourth place in the group.

It was a shocking defeat. The Indonesian Football Association abruptly dismissed coach Shin Tae-yong in January and appointed Kluivert. The association stated that "Shin Tae-yong had problems with leadership and tactics," explaining an unclear reason. According to Indonesian media, the reason for Shin's dismissal is reported to be due to conflicts with naturalized players from the Netherlands.

The Jakarta Post reported on the 11th, "Discord between the players and coach Shin Tae-yong began before Indonesia's match against China last October, which Indonesia lost 1-2. One of the naturalized players openly expressed dissatisfaction with coach Shin's tactics and team management methods."

The Indonesian Football Association appointed Dutch legend Kluivert. This was meant to control the naturalized players. In the game against Australia, as many as 10 of the 11 starters were naturalized players. The result was the worst. Indonesia conceded the first goal with a penalty kick just 18 minutes into the first half, and within the first 34 minutes, they conceded two more goals, bringing the score to 0-3 before half-time. Indonesia conceded two more goals to Miller and Erwin at 16 minutes and 45 minutes of the second half, respectively. Indonesia managed to score one goal through Romeni in the 33rd minute of the second half.

After the match, Indonesian fans expressed a desire for the return of coach Shin Tae-yong and demanded the dismissal of Kluivert. The hashtag '#KluivertOut' has gained explosive reaction. Fans have been vocally reacting with statements such as, "Kluivert, get dismissed immediately," "Bring back coach Shin Tae-yong," "The incompetent Indonesian Association has reached its limit," and "Is this the Indonesian national team? This is not the Netherlands national team!"

In the midst of this, Kluivert's shocking past is being brought to light. Kluivert is known to have led the Curaçao national team to a 0-4 loss against Bahrain in a friendly match in 2021.

Coincidentally, Indonesia's next opponent is Bahrain. Coming off a 1-5 defeat in Australia, Indonesia will face Bahrain in Jakarta on the 25th. During coach Shin Tae-yong's tenure, they drew 2-2 in an away match against Bahrain.

Indonesian media, having learned of Kluivert's past, commented, "Kluivert is the one who suffered the most shocking defeat against Bahrain. It is definitely concerning. Bahrain is not an opponent to be underestimated. Coach Kluivert is under pressure to win at home," urging for victory.

In his debut match, Kluivert used 10 naturalized players among the 11 starters. This was clearly a reflection of PSSI's intent. However, even with 10 naturalized players, they could not overcome issues of organization and other problems, leading to a disastrous 1-5 defeat, escalating the controversy around the naturalization policy.

Dutch critic Schiltkamp stated, "PSSI's naturalization policy does not help the development of Indonesian football at all. Indonesia has granted citizenship to 20 naturalized players. It is excessively overwhelming and goes beyond the process of building a team."

Schiltkamp noted, "If this naturalization policy continues, fans will need to be even angrier. In the past, teams like China and Qatar have repeatedly failed after adopting naturalization policies because it eliminates opportunities for promising domestic players to grow. Excessive naturalization policies actually hinder the development of football."

Nevertheless, PSSI strengthened its naturalization policy by dismissing coach Shin Tae-yong, who was building a team centered around Indonesian prospects. Schiltkamp strongly criticized PSSI's approach as 'a ridiculous circus,' expressing disappointment.

Schiltkamp emphasized, "Indonesia used 10 naturalized players and lost 1-5 to Australia. If they lose to Bahrain at home as well, this ridiculous naturalization circus will completely come to an end. Honestly, it is nonsense that undermines the development of Indonesian football."

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