John Herdman Eyes Two Naturalized Players as Arsenal Prospect Demiane Agustien Emerges as a Candidate for Indonesia

Indonesia national team coach John Herdman is reportedly looking to strengthen the Garuda squad by bringing in two naturalized players to fill key attacking positions. Among the names attracting attention is Demiane Agustien, a 19-year-old Arsenal prospect who could provide additional options in the attacking midfield and winger positions. His playing style and versatility appear to match the team's needs, particularly in the number seven and number eleven roles that Herdman is seeking to reinforce.

Born in Oss, the Netherlands, on July 28, 2007, Agustien has Indonesian ancestry through his maternal grandmother, who was born in Jakarta. He is the son of Kemy Agustien, a former professional footballer who represented Curacao and played for several English clubs, including Birmingham City, Swansea City, Crystal Palace, and Brighton & Hove Albion. Demiane's family background has brought him into the conversation surrounding Indonesia's ongoing efforts to identify eligible players of Indonesian descent.

The possibility of Agustien representing Indonesia has gained attention after Noor Korompot, a special staff member to Indonesian Law Minister Supratman Andi Agtas, revealed that the legal team working with the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) was examining his potential naturalization. The process is reportedly based on his family ties to Indonesia, which align with the ancestry requirements applied to previous naturalized players. However, the legal review is still necessary before any concrete decision can be made regarding his eligibility.

One of the main challenges involves Agustien's previous appearances for youth national teams representing Curacao and the Netherlands. He played for Curacao's under-17 team at the 2023 CONCACAF Under-17 Championship and later represented the Netherlands under-19 side during the qualifying campaign for the 2026 UEFA European Under-19 Championship. These appearances mean that his potential switch to Indonesia must be assessed under FIFA regulations governing changes of national association.

Under Article 10 of the FIFA Statutes, players who have represented one national association in official competitions may be eligible to switch associations if they meet specific conditions. Relevant considerations include their citizenship status when they first played in an official competition and other eligibility requirements established by FIFA. Agustien's previous international appearances do not automatically rule out the possibility of representing Indonesia, but they also do not guarantee approval. For now, his potential recruitment remains subject to further legal assessment, while Herdman's broader search for players capable of strengthening the Garuda squad continues.