Rethinking “Who We Are, Who We Aren’t?” through the Lens of Diaspora Players in the Indonesian National Football Team.
There is a rhetoric gaining prominence lately, revolving around the categorization of who deserves the “status” as a native Indonesian and who does not. Fundamental questions arise regarding the criteria and parameters used to determine who qualifies as a native Indonesian. Does native status solely depend on lineage, or are there other elements taken into consideration? This narrative extends in various directions, finding expression in the contemporary context, particularly in the world of sports, especially football. Naturalization of players takes center stage, where players from abroad are given the opportunity to represent the Indonesian national team. In some cases, naturalization is seen as a means to enhance the national team’s performance, considering the potential and quality that foreign players are expected to bring positive contributions.
The issue of naturalization intensifies when the domestic football public is confronted with foreign-born players with Indonesian ancestry applying or being nominated to represent the Indonesian national team. Players like Kevin Diks, Sandy Walsh, Elkan Baggott, Jay Idzes, and Jordi Amat have received offers and some have officially become Indonesian citizens, playing for the national team. Public opinion is divided, with many supporting the naturalization of diaspora players, but there are also those who disagree, criticizing the naturalization process, even if the players being naturalized are foreigners with Indonesian blood. Concerns have also emerged that this naturalization process might potentially sacrifice opportunities for local players who may possess talent but are sidelined due to competition with naturalized players.
Taking a broader perspective, this issue also illustrates the relationship between sports and national identity. Football, being the most popular sport in Indonesia, plays a crucial role in shaping the nation’s image and identity. Therefore, a holistic approach is needed, considering cultural, social, and political aspects in responding to this issue. In an increasingly integrated global context, Indonesia has the opportunity to showcase to the world how a diverse nation can unite and synergize through sports while preserving a rich and diverse national identity.
Ethnicity and Nationalism
Diaspora naturalized players, who may have different cultural backgrounds, enrich the diversity within the national team but also raise questions about how ethnic identity is integrated within a national team context that reflects the ethnic heterogeneity in society. Understanding this phenomenon, I am reminded of the discourse on ethnicity highlighted by Barth (1969), stating that ethnic groups are not static entities but rather a relational process influenced by various factors, including their relationship with the state, other groups, and the natural environment. In the context of naturalized diaspora players, ethnic considerations become highly significant.
Barth emphasizes that the connection of ethnicity to culture is not always definitive, and there are cases where two different ethnic groups share similar cultures or vice versa, reinforcing the idea that ethnic identity is the result of a dynamic identity production. In other words, the discussion about ethnicity is more of a conversation about identity production rather than the inherent or “property” nature of an identity (Barth, 1969). To delve deeper into the relationship between ethnicity and the state, it is important to acknowledge that the state is not a homogeneous entity but a space inhabited by various ethnic groups with their dynamics and interests.
This indicates that ethnic identity is not only produced through internal group processes but is also influenced by the dynamics of inter-group relationships within a country. With a deeper understanding of this relationship, we can open the window to a richer and more inclusive dialogue about ethnic identity, taking into account its complexity in the continually evolving global context. Awareness of the relational dynamics between ethnicity, nationalism, and the state can be a first step towards designing holistic and sustainable solutions to the identity challenges of the 21st century.
In this context, nationalism does not only involve a love for the country but is also an ideology that emphasizes the ideal form of a political unit as a state formed by cultural similarity. In short, nationalism speaks of one country with one culture. This idea creates a kind of “large tribe” with diverse complex elements. Speaking of nationalism, Eriksen (2010) argues that French nationalism, one of the earliest forms of nationalism, was actually a response to significant changes during the Enlightenment and the industrialization era. These changes include drastic changes in social organization, with the rapid emergence of factories and increased mobility through transportation. In the context of this discussion, society needs an idea as a reference to preserve its existence, and nationalism becomes the answer to these changes.
Local Pride versus Diaspora Players
Talking about local players versus diaspora naturalized players, it must be acknowledged that both groups make valuable contributions to the Indonesian National Football Team. A proper balance between the two can create a strong and representative team. However, there are still biased comments regarding this issue, especially from those who are worried about foreign players taking over their “territory.” The tension has even escalated within the internal structure of the Indonesian Football Federation or PSSI. There are two factions, either pro-diaspora players or pro-local players. This is thought to be due to conflicting interests and stereotypes about foreign players who are perceived to come and take a place in the national team as they please.
Actually, the discussion about diaspora players can be explained with arguments from Weiss (2016), who explores the complex concept of diaspora through subjectivity and reveals how deeply the diaspora experience shapes perceptions and expressions. This phenomenon, on the other hand, indicates the categorization of identity. Brubaker (2004) emphasizes that, although identity is fluid and dynamic, we cannot only see it as something purely relational. Identity has real consequences for individuals involved in it. Eriksen (2010) highlights that crisis situations often become catalysts for the emergence of identity. When a group faces a threat or pressure, individuals tend to assert their positions in the social constellation, emphasizing that they have a unique culture and history. Brubaker (2004) explains that the reinterpretation of history is also essential for the continuity of a group without urgent interests. The process of identity formation also involves convincing “arguments” to shape an identity and persuade “others” that these arguments are relevant. In this context, identity formation is not just done arbitrarily but involves convincing and relevant arguments. Ethnic identity, as a result of this entire process, becomes a dynamic concept, constantly evolving and providing profound meaning for individuals and groups in a changing society facing challenges.
It must be acknowledged that local players and diaspora naturalized players often have different ethnic backgrounds. Ethnic identity, therefore, can play a role in how these players are articulated and accepted in the context of Indonesian football. Categorizing players based on ethnicity can have significant implications for the loyalty and closeness felt by players towards a specific group or community. Ethnic identity is just one aspect of the complex social identity. For players, their football identity, their performance on the field, and their dedication to the team and the country are also crucial elements shaping their image. While ethnic identity can provide an additional dimension to understanding players, it should not be the sole factor used to evaluate their contributions or interests in the football team.
It’s Way Beyond Blood
Ethnic considerations become crucial in the context of diaspora naturalized players, given the involvement of individuals with different cultural backgrounds. Ethnic identity cannot be viewed as something static; instead, it is the result of dynamic identity production, in line with the complex relational context. In seeking solutions to this controversy, it is important to adopt an approach that respects and takes into account the diversity and complexity of Indonesian identities. Inclusive dialogue and a profound understanding of the relationship between ethnicity, nationalism, and the state can pave the way for holistic and sustainable solutions. In conclusion, the controversy surrounding diaspora naturalized players creates a stage for reflection on ethnic identity, nationalism, and the concept of the state in the context of sports. The dynamic relational process, as emphasized by Barth, must be considered in addressing these issues. Understanding this complexity can help create solutions that recognize and integrate Indonesia’s diversity and unity on the international football stage.
