Indonesia U22 team calls up Ivar Jenner and Marselino for the 2025 SEA Games.

Indonesia's U22 team receives a major boost ahead of the 2025 SEA Games: two national team players, Ivar Jenner and Marselino Ferdinand, have been granted permission by their respective clubs to join the squad. The return of the duo, who featured in Indonesia's 1-0 victory over Vietnam at the 2023 Asian Cup, brings Coach Indra Sjafri's team closer to their goal of defending the gold medal.

Two pillars have been given the green light.

Despite missing the first training camp, Marselino Ferdinand has been confirmed to be able to travel to Thailand at the end of November 2025. The Chairman of the Indonesian National Team's coaching staff, Sumardji, told Bola: "The process of working with Marselino's club is going very smoothly, and we have agreed for him to leave his current club at the end of November 2025." Marselino's role in creating attacking opportunities makes his inclusion crucial for the Indonesian U22 team.

Ivar Jenner's case also brings positive signs. The FC Utrecht midfielder, who is "reportedly" to have received the green light to continue serving the Indonesian U22 team, joined last week and quickly took on an important role in the midfield. According to Mr. Sumardji, all players currently training have received permission from their clubs to play in the 2025 SEA Games.

Tactical significance: The midfield is anchored, the attack gains momentum.

Ivar Jenner's presence strengthens the team's "heart," ensuring connectivity between lines and tempo control – crucial in a short tournament like the SEA Games. Meanwhile, Marselino Ferdinand provides a dynamic attacking option, opening up flexible scenarios in the final third of the pitch. A stable midfield and a forward who can make a difference help U22 Indonesia balance control and transitions.

Given that the U22 Indonesian team is the defending champion and needs to maintain its defensive structure while improving its ball distribution, this duo enhances the quality of the system from start to finish. From solving the problem of ball circulation through the midfield to decisive moments in matches, they provide exactly the pieces that coach Indra Sjafri needs.

Open list: waiting for Adrian Wibowo, watching for Tim Geypens

Alongside their two key players, the U22 Indonesian team continues to closely monitor the situation of Adrian Wibowo and Tim Geypens. Adrian has expressed his desire to participate, but the PSSI (Indonesian Football Association) still needs to work with LAFC to wait for a final decision. Regarding Tim Geypens, FC Emmen has given the green light, however, his recovery from injury will determine his participation. Coach Sumardji stated: "We still have to wait and see if his injury has fully recovered."

Tournament context and impact

Indonesia U22 is in Group C at the 2025 SEA Games, entering the tournament as the defending champion. The additions of Ivar Jenner and Marselino Ferdinand bring the squad closer to its strongest form. This also creates a significant challenge for competitors, including Vietnam U22, in the campaign taking place in Thailand.

Notably, both Jenner and Marselino previously featured in Indonesia's 1-0 victory over Vietnam at the 2023 Asian Cup – valuable experience in knockout matches. With an increasingly solid squad, U22 Indonesia's goal of defending their gold medal has a stronger foundation, especially with key players finalized early, just before the team's departure at the end of November 2025.

Key highlight

• Two national team players, Ivar Jenner and Marselino Ferdinand, have been given permission by their clubs to participate in the 2025 SEA Games.
• Marselino could leave the club at the end of November 2025; Ivar Jenner joined the squad last week.
• PSSI continues to work with LAFC on Adrian Wibowo's case; Tim Geypens is awaiting assessment of his injury recovery despite FC Emmen's agreement.
• Indonesia U22 is in Group C, aiming to defend their gold medal in Thailand.