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Indonesian U-17 Squad Bolstered by Four Key Diaspora players for 2025 World cup
Indonesia’s U-17 national team is set to receive a important boost with teh inclusion of four diaspora players as they prepare to compete in the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar, scheduled to run from November 3-27, 2025. The team, currently undergoing a training camp in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, will face challenging opponents in Group D – Brazil, Honduras, and Zambia.
The four players – Mathew Baker,Lucas lee,Mike Rajasa,and Eizar Tanjung – represent a strategic effort to strengthen the squad with talent from across the globe. They have already joined the 21-man roster and are integrating with the team ahead of their opening match against Zambia on November 4, 2025, followed by matches against Brazil on November 7, 2025, and Honduras on November 10, 2025.
Meet the Diaspora Players
Mathew Baker: Versatility from Australia
mathew Baker brings a wealth of experience from the Australian football scene. The player, of mixed Australian and Indonesian heritage – his father is Australian and his mother hails from Jakarta – currently plays for Melbourne City, having signed a three-year professional contract with the club on September 30th. Baker officially debuted with Melbourne City against APIA Leichhardt last July,following previous stints with Malvern City (2016-2017) and Box Hill United (2018-2021).
A versatile player, Baker is capable of playing multiple positions, including center back, left back, and defensive midfielder, though his primary role is as a wing defender.
Lucas Lee: Attacking Flair from the United States
Lucas Rahael Lee, born in California on February 14, 2004, offers an attacking dimension to the Indonesian squad. With roots in both Bandung and Solo – his mother was born in Bandung and his father in Solo – Lee maintains an Indonesian passport.He is primarily an attacking midfielder, but also possesses the ability to play as a defensive midfielder.
According to U-17 national Team coach Nova Arianto, Lee’s technique is well-suited to the needs of Garuda Muda (the Young Garuda). Lee honed his skills initially in futsal, developing fundamental ball control before transitioning to football.
Mike Rajasa Hoppenbrouwers: Goalkeeping talent from the Netherlands
Mike Rajasa Hoppenbrouwers, a goalkeeper of Indonesian descent, is currently developing his skills with FC Utrecht in the Netherlands. Born in Amsterdam on February 6, 2009, Rajasa has a unique connection to both Indonesia and the Netherlands, with his mother originating from West Sulawesi, specifically the Mosu sub-district in Mamasa Regency, and his father from the Netherlands. This dual heritage gives him the eligibility to represent either nation.
Eizar Tanjung: Midfield Strength from Australia
Eizar tanjung, born in Australia on August 30, 2008, has been identified as a potential asset to the Indonesian U-17 midfield. Currently playing for the Sydney FC academy in the U-17 category, Tanjung typically plays as a defensive midfielder or wing back.Both of his parents are originally from Indonesia.
Coach Nova Arianto believes Eizar’s inclusion will address a noted weakness in the Indonesian U-17 team – a lack of strength in the midfield
