Indonesia Eye Miliano Jonathans as New Naturalization Candidate for World Cup Qualifiers Round 4

Miliano Jonathans, a 21-year-old forward from FC Utrecht, has officially been proposed as a naturalized player candidate for the Indonesian national team. PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir submitted the naturalization documents to Minister of Youth and Sports Dito Ariotedjo on Friday (August 15, 2025), according to an official statement on PSSI.org.

Erick Thohir wrote on his official Instagram account, @erickthohir:

“On this occasion, PSSI submitted documents related to the naturalization process of Miliano Jonathans to become part of the Indonesian national team, which will compete in Round 4 of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers in Saudi Arabia this October.”

He also expressed his appreciation:

“Thank you to the Minister of Youth and Sports who has always given full support to PSSI in developing Indonesian football to bring Garuda to the world stage.”

According to PSSI on its official website, the naturalization of Jonathans is projected so that he can immediately strengthen the Indonesian national team in Round 4 of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.

Player Profile: Miliano Jonathans

Miliano Jonathans is a 21-year-old winger currently playing for FC Utrecht alongside Ivar Jenner. The player of Indonesian descent, whose family roots trace back to Depok, West Java, joined from Vitesse Arnhem in the middle of last season.

Since then, he has made 12 appearances, totaling 390 minutes in the Eredivisie. During his time with Vitesse in the Dutch second tier last season, Jonathans impressed with 11 goals and 4 assists in 19 matches. This season, he has already featured in Europa League qualifiers against FC Sheriff and Servette FC.

With his young age, Jonathans is seen as a long-term investment for Garuda.

PSSI’s broader strategy and other candidates

Jonathans is not the only player projected for naturalization. Previously, Mauro Zijlstra was also added to the list. Zijlstra is being prepared not only for the senior national team against Saudi Arabia and Iraq, but also for Garuda Muda in the AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qualifiers this September.

The arrival of these two young talents reflects the ambition of Erick Thohir and PSSI: to build a competitive national team for the long term, not just for the present.

“Thank you to the Minister of Youth and Sports who has always supported PSSI in developing Indonesian football so that Garuda can compete at the global level,” Erick said (source: Instagram @erickthohir).

Reactions and expectations

So far, PSSI has not issued a further official statement regarding Miliano Jonathans’ naturalization. However, the topic has quickly become a hot discussion among national football fans.

Many believe Jonathans’ arrival will bring a fresh spark, especially given his youth. If the process runs smoothly, he could make his debut with Garuda in Round 4 of the World Cup Qualifiers. This adds to the optimism of supporters eager to see Indonesia compete more strongly on the Asian stage.

Looking ahead to Round 4

The naturalization of Miliano Jonathans could be a strategic step for Indonesia in maintaining momentum toward the 2026 World Cup. With a combination of local players, previously naturalized talents, and new additions like Jonathans, Garuda has a solid foundation to compete.

The challenges in Round 4 will not be easy, but with unity, squad depth, and well-prepared strategies, the Indonesian national team has a real chance of springing surprises in the next stage of qualifiers.