Mau Tiru Tradisi Timnas, Pemain Malaysia Malah Bingung: Pandit Malaysia Bandingkan Soal Nasionalisme

Summary

Indonesia has set a trend in Southeast Asian football, particularly with its tradition of player naturalization and team unity, exemplified by rituals like singing 'Tanah Airku' post-match. This tradition, fostering national pride, has been adopted by teams like Thailand and Malaysia, but with varying success. While Thailand's coach initially resisted fan appreciation rituals, Malaysia's naturalized players struggle to connect emotionally with the country, contrasting with Indonesia's players who share deep cultural ties. Indonesia's approach has led to success, inspiring other nations, but challenges remain in replicating the same level of unity and national identity.

Takeaways

• 😀 Indonesia has become a trendsetter in ASEAN football, especially with its naturalization program for players with Indonesian ancestry, which has been adopted by other countries like Malaysia and Thailand.
• 😀 One of Indonesia's key traditions is singing the national anthem 'Tanah Airku' together with the supporters after each match, creating a sense of unity and pride among the players and staff, regardless of the match result.
• 😀 Thailand's national team attempted to adopt Indonesia's post-match tradition of thanking fans, but their coach, Masatada Imai, initially disagreed, deeming it a waste of time. He later apologized to the fans and team officials.
• 😀 Malaysia's national team tried to follow Indonesia's tradition after their match with Thailand, but their attempt was less coordinated, and players did not align as Indonesian players do after a match, possibly due to unfamiliarity with the ritual.
• 😀 There seems to be a difference in national pride between naturalized players in Malaysia and Indonesia. Many Indonesian naturalized players have Indonesian ancestry and embrace the national anthem, whereas Malaysian naturalized players, largely lacking Malaysian heritage, do not show the same level of connection to the national anthem.
• 😀 Malaysia's naturalized players often have names reminiscent of European football stars, like 'Sergio Aguero,' but there are concerns about the lack of cohesion and national pride within the squad compared to Indonesia's team.
• 😀 Indonesia's success in international football, such as qualifying for the third round of the World Cup qualifiers and the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, has raised the country's profile and made other ASEAN nations eager to replicate Indonesia's success and traditions.
• 😀 While Indonesia has seen success with its player naturalization program and traditions, there is a noticeable difference in how Malaysia and Thailand have been able to adopt similar practices, with varying degrees of success.
• 😀 Indonesia's national team has been successful not just on the field but also in fostering strong unity and national pride, which is visible in their fan interactions and traditions like the post-match celebration.
• 😀 The 2023 AFF Championship and future matches, like the upcoming Indonesia vs. Philippines game, highlight Indonesia's competitive edge, as they enjoy home-field advantage and more rest between matches compared to their opponents.

Q & A

How has Indonesia influenced football traditions in Southeast Asia?

Indonesia has become a trendsetter in Southeast Asia, particularly in terms of naturalizing players of foreign descent. This practice, initially adopted by Indonesia, has now been followed by other ASEAN countries like Malaysia and Thailand, demonstrating the growing influence of Indonesia's football culture.

What is the significance of the tradition of singing 'Tanah Airku' after matches in Indonesia?

The tradition of singing the national anthem 'Tanah Airku' after matches plays a key role in uniting the Indonesian national team. It fosters a sense of camaraderie among players, both local and naturalized, and reinforces national pride and team solidarity, whether the team wins or loses.

Why did the Thailand national team struggle to replicate Indonesia's post-match tradition?

The Thailand national team faced difficulties in adopting Indonesia's post-match tradition of singing and celebrating with fans. Coach Masata Daishi initially rejected this practice, believing that players should focus on cooling down rather than wasting time with fan interactions. However, he later apologized to the fans and acknowledged his mistake.

How did the Malaysian national team try to imitate Indonesia's traditions?

The Malaysian national team attempted to replicate Indonesia's post-match tradition by gathering with fans and singing together. However, they failed to follow through in a manner similar to Indonesia's, with players not fully embracing the ritual. This was particularly noticeable among naturalized players who were not yet accustomed to such practices.

What challenges do naturalized players in Malaysia face compared to Indonesia?

Naturalized players in Malaysia, many of whom do not have ethnic Malaysian roots, struggle with team cohesion and national pride. In contrast, Indonesian naturalized players often have Indonesian heritage, which helps them connect more deeply with the nation's culture and pride, such as learning and singing the national anthem 'Indonesia Raya'.

What does the difference in national pride between naturalized players in Malaysia and Indonesia reveal?

The difference in national pride is evident in the way naturalized players engage with their respective national anthems. While Indonesian naturalized players actively participate in national traditions, such as singing 'Indonesia Raya', many naturalized players in Malaysia remain passive during the anthem, indicating a gap in their sense of national identity.

How has Indonesia's football success contributed to its leadership role in ASEAN football?

Indonesia's football success, such as being the only Southeast Asian team to qualify for the third round of the World Cup qualifiers and securing a spot in the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, has made it a role model for other ASEAN countries. This success has inspired neighboring teams to emulate Indonesia's methods and traditions in hopes of achieving similar results.

Why did some Malaysian football fans criticize their naturalized players?

Malaysian football fans criticized the naturalized players for their lack of national pride, particularly during the singing of the national anthem. Fans noted that these players, who did not have Malaysian heritage, were not fully participating in the anthem, highlighting a perceived disconnect between the players and the country's culture.

How does the ritual of player and fan interaction after matches impact team cohesion in Indonesia?

The ritual of players and fans coming together after matches helps strengthen the bond between the team and the supporters. This interaction boosts morale, fosters unity, and reinforces the sense of shared identity, contributing to greater team cohesion and a supportive fan culture in Indonesia.

What advantages does Indonesia have going into their next match in the AFF tournament?

Indonesia is set to benefit from being the host nation in their upcoming AFF match against the Philippines. Additionally, they have a more favorable rest schedule compared to the Philippines, who will play against Vietnam shortly before the Indonesia match, giving the Indonesian team an edge in terms of recovery and preparation.