New Problem for Indonesia National Team: Ole Romeny’s Injury Leaves a Big Gap – Can Ragnar Oratmangoen Step Up?

Ole Romeny is once again the talk of Indonesian football fans—not for his brilliant performance on the pitch, but because of worrying news ahead of the fourth round of the 2026 Asian World Cup Qualifiers. Reports suggest that Romeny has suffered an injury and could miss two crucial matches against Saudi Arabia and Iraq.

For the Garuda squad, this isn’t just the absence of a player—it’s the loss of a key figure who recently became a central part of the team’s attacking force. Under new head coach Patrick Kluivert, the national team has shown sharper offensive play, with Romeny playing a crucial role in that transformation.

Ole Romeny: A Natural Striker Who Instantly Clicked

Ole Romeny, the Dutch-Indonesian striker, has brought a fresh dynamic to Indonesia’s game. It didn’t take long for him to prove his worth. According to Transfermarkt, he has scored 3 goals in his last 4 appearances for the national team—a performance that places him among the team’s top contributors.

His role as a pure finisher, intelligent positioning, and strong goal instinct have earned him the nickname “number 9″—a role Indonesia has long struggled to fill. Many analysts even believe Romeny is the missing puzzle piece Indonesia desperately needed in attack.

“He’s a complete striker—finds space, fast, and knows when to shoot. Losing Ole is like losing the heart of our attack,” said football analyst Erwan Hendarwanto.

The Injury Comes at the Worst Possible Time

Just as the team was building strong attacking chemistry, Romeny suffered an injury after competing in the President’s Cup. While there’s been no official statement about the nature and severity of the injury, early signs from the coaching staff indicate that he’s likely to miss the matches against Saudi Arabia and Iraq.

His absence is a huge blow for Patrick Kluivert, especially considering the limited depth in Indonesia’s forward options. Losing a player as productive as Romeny could significantly alter the team’s attacking strategy.

A 2023 UEFA study revealed that teams who lose their primary goal scorer mid-season tend to drop up to 15% of their potential points—clearly showing how vital Romeny is to Indonesia’s campaign.

Ragnar Oratmangoen: A Hopeful Replacement, But Not Yet Fit

One of the potential replacements for Romeny is Ragnar Oratmangoen, another player of Indonesian descent. However, he too is currently recovering from an injury.

Although Ragnar is a winger and not a direct positional replacement, his speed and ball control could offer some balance to the team’s offense. With both key players not at full fitness, the coaching staff must prepare alternative plans.

Several other names have surfaced among fans as potential replacements—such as Thijs Dallinga, Mauro Zijlstra, and Pascal Struijk. There’s also strong support for Jens Raven, a standout player from Indonesia U-23, whose creativity and goal-scoring instincts make him an intriguing option.

Heavy Task Ahead for Patrick Kluivert

Now, all eyes are on head coach Patrick Kluivert. He must rethink his offensive setup without Ole Romeny. Will he rely on local talent? Or shift tactics entirely?

One thing’s for sure: Ole Romeny’s name will remain a key talking point—whether on the bench or in the treatment room. This injury is a setback, but also a chance for others to rise to the occasion.

A Ticking Time Bomb

Romeny’s injury couldn’t have come at a worse time. Just as public confidence in the national team was peaking and their gameplay showing positive signs, the absence of their top striker threatens to stall their momentum.

But football is full of unexpected turns—and sometimes, setbacks spark new heroes. Fans across Indonesia now hope for a surprise breakthrough from Kluivert’s side—and of course, a speedy recovery for Ole Romeny, the new heart of Garuda’s attack.