Taisei Marukawa Called Up for Indonesia National Team Training Camp in Bali Amid Naturalization Process

Dewa United midfielder Taisei Marukawa received a call-up to the Indonesia national team training camp in Bali as head coach John Herdman evaluates his capabilities during an ongoing naturalization process.

The 29-year-old midfielder decided to change his citizenship after living and playing in Indonesia for five years, previously featuring for PSIS Semarang and Persebaya Surabaya. Marukawa stated that if his naturalization process runs smoothly and he is chosen to enter the national team, he will be very happy, adding that he aims to fight as best as possible with the target of winning the Asian Cup.

Bali Training Camp Roster

The national team gathered in Bali for a training camp running from November 9 to November 17, 2026, aligning with the FIFA Matchday calendar. Based on an official PSSI statement on Tuesday, this training camp on the Island of the Gods serves as a strategic step for the Garuda squad to maintain preparation continuity toward the 2030 World Cup Qualifiers.

The program was organized after scheduled matches in the Middle East region were diverted due to the postponement of the 2027 Asian Cup and considerations regarding regional security escalation in that area. Utilizing a roughly one-week FIFA Matchday window, Herdman focused on strengthening squad depth, raising collective play quality, and building a much more solid team foundation by blending core squad mainstays with several new faces.

National Team Body (BTN) Chairman Sumardji explained that the technical staff wants to observe how Marukawa performs and integrates within the squad. “Marukawa is called up by John so he knows how Marukawa plays and how to unite himself together in the team so that the chemistry is there,” Sumardji told reporters. Totaling 23 players initially called, the final roster features 22 players with a heavy representation from domestic competitions in the BRI Super League 2026/27, alongside select overseas-based players.

John Herdman did not include his standout European-based diaspora players such as Jay Idzes, Kevin Diks, Emil Audero, and Calvin Verdonk. Instead, the overseas-based contingent features Mees Hilgers of SC Heerenveen, Noah Adnan of Loudoun United, Adrian Wibowo of Los Angeles FC, and Luke Vickery of Macarthur FC.

Mees Hilgers returned to the squad after approximately 1.5 years without a call-up. The sessions at the Bali United Training Center serve as preparation for upcoming international fixtures following adjustments to the regional calendar.

The complete list of 22 players called up for the training camp in Bali comprises:

• Goalkeepers: Nadeo Argawinata (Persija Jakarta), Reza Arya (Persebaya Surabaya)

Naturalization Progress

Sumardji indicated that Marukawa’s transition of citizenship shows positive momentum after five years of competing in Indonesia. “Just follow the development. Later we will definitely inform you. The certainty is if we call, automatically there are encouraging signs,” Sumardji said. Alongside Marukawa, Noah Adnan is listed as another naturalization candidate within the squad.

Left-back Alta Ballah—who previously turned down a call from the Liberia national team for Africa Cup of Nations qualifying and was sought by Liberia—joined the roster alongside five young Dutch-blooded players active in the Super League: Rafael Struick, Dion Markx, Jens Raven, Tim Geypens, and Ivar Jenner.

Rafael Struick returned to the Garuda squad after last receiving a call for the final two matches of the third round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers in June of last year.

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