In a thrilling display of determination and skill, the Indonesian National Team has been making headlines during the ongoing 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. With new striker Ole Romeny making his mark and captain Jay Idzes showcasing his leadership, the team is rallying fans and creating a buzz both locally and internationally.
Ole Romeny, who joined the Indonesian squad during the recent international break in March 2025, expressed his commitment to understanding Bahasa Indonesia. "I want to learn Bahasa Indonesia to show respect to all my teammates," Romeny stated, emphasizing his desire to integrate into the team. The striker, who plays for Oxford United, made his debut on March 20, 2025, and faced Australia in a challenging match on March 26, 2025, where he scored a goal despite a 1-5 loss.
Despite the setback against Australia, Romeny quickly redeemed himself by scoring the only goal in Indonesia's hard-fought 1-0 victory against Bahrain on March 25, 2025, at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium in Jakarta. This win was crucial for Indonesia, keeping their hopes alive for advancing in the qualifiers as they currently sit fourth in Group C with nine points. "This victory is important for us to continue our journey towards the World Cup 2026," Romeny commented after the match.
Meanwhile, the team’s captain, Jay Idzes, has also been garnering attention for his on-field decisions. During the match against Bahrain, Idzes found himself in a critical situation when the team was reduced to ten men after Rizky Ridho had to exit due to cramps. Coach Patrick Kluivert instructed Idzes to implement a defensive formation of 5-3-1, and in a moment that caught the admiration of fans, Idzes communicated this strategy in Bahasa Indonesia. "Five, three, one!" he shouted to his teammates, showcasing his commitment to the team's success and his growing proficiency in the language.
Idzes' use of Bahasa Indonesia not only demonstrated his adaptation to the team culture but also resonated with fans who appreciated his effort. Many took to social media to express their pride in Idzes, who is originally from the Netherlands, for embracing the local language and culture. One fan remarked, "It’s impressive to see Jay communicating in Bahasa Indonesia; it shows his dedication to representing our country."
Before the match, Idzes had a light-hearted exchange with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, who visited the team at their hotel. The president asked Idzes about his residence, to which Idzes replied, "I live in Semarang," in Bahasa Indonesia, further endearing him to supporters. This interaction highlighted the growing connection between the players and the Indonesian public.
As the team navigates the qualifiers, their performance has sparked interest not only in their matches but also in their merchandise. Muhammad Sadad, founder of Erspo, noted that the Indonesian National Team jerseys have been flying off the shelves, with around 5,000 jerseys prepared for sale ahead of the match against Bahrain. The jerseys featuring Idzes’ and defender Calvin Verdonk’s names have proven particularly popular, reflecting the fans’ enthusiasm for the team.
Looking ahead, the Indonesian squad is focused on maintaining their momentum as they prepare for their next matches. With Romeny and Idzes leading the charge, the team is poised to make a strong push for a spot in the next round of the qualifiers. The camaraderie among the players, coupled with their determination to succeed, is palpable as they aim to bring glory to their nation.
In conclusion, the Indonesian National Team's recent performances in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers have captured the hearts of fans. With Ole Romeny making a significant impact in his debut and Jay Idzes demonstrating exceptional leadership and cultural integration, the team is on a promising path as they strive for success on the international stage.
