Miliano Jonathans surprised the Dutch media when he decided to refuse the opportunity to join the Dutch youth team to pursue the naturalization process and compete for the Indonesian national team.
According to information from the sports newspaper Voetbal Primeur (Netherlands), Jonathans was named in the preliminary list of the Dutch youth team, but he did not respond to the call-up because he was carrying out procedures to become an Indonesian citizen.
Jonathans' naturalization process is being actively promoted by the Indonesian Football Federation (PSSI). Mr. Erick Thohir - President of PSSI said that PSSI is rushing to complete the necessary procedures, hoping that the player born in 2003 can promptly participate in the friendly matches of the national team in September.
Unlike most of the Dutch-born players who choose to wear the Indonesian national team jersey at the age of over 27 or whose career is no longer at the peak, Jonathans is only 21 years old and still has many opportunities to develop in Europe. His choice of Indonesia at this time shows his seriousness and long-term attachment to the country's football.
In the coming time, Indonesia will enter a tight schedule. First, they will participate in the friendly tournament with the participation of Kuwait and Lebanon, taking place from September 2 to 8. After that, Indonesia will face Saudi Arabia and Iraq in the 4th qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup in October.
If Jonathans arrives in time, the team from the archipelago will significantly strengthen their attack and can debut in September.
