Young star rejects Dutch call-up to naturalize for Indonesia

Young midfielder Miliano Jonathans, a gifted player born in the Netherlands yet carrying Indonesian blood, has taken an important step about his international football future.

Miliano Jonathans has officially declined the invitation to join the Netherlands U21 team in order to prioritize representing the Indonesian national team. This information was confirmed by journalist Dennie van Laar from VoetbalPrimeur. Previously, Jonathans was included in the Netherlands U21 squad preparing for upcoming matches. However, the young talent voluntarily withdrew, expressing his desire to contribute to Indonesian football.

Currently, the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) is working with relevant authorities to complete Jonathans’ nationality switch. If all procedures are finished on schedule, the midfielder born in 2004 will officially be eligible to represent Indonesia in the 2026 World Cup Asian qualifiers.

Jonathans is currently playing in the Dutch league and is highly regarded for his skillful ball control, creative style, and strong tactical awareness. Adding this young player is expected to strengthen Indonesia’s midfield in the upcoming period.

Jonathans’ decision is seen as a crucial step in Indonesia’s plan to elevate its national team, especially as PSSI is actively working to persuade more players of Indonesian descent in Europe to join the national squad.

Recently, Indonesian football has gained attention due to open policies welcoming naturalized players and diaspora athletes. Jonathans’ choice to reject the Netherlands in favor of Indonesia further reinforces the archipelago’s ambition to rise on the continental stage.

If the nationality change process is completed in time, Miliano Jonathans is expected to debut for Indonesia during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in October 2025. This will undoubtedly be a valuable addition to coach Patrick Kluivert’s squad.