Ole Romeny, a recent addition to Indonesia’s national football squad, said Bali felt hotter and more humid than Jakarta, as the team settles in for a week-long training camp ahead of their crucial World Cup qualifier against China.
Indonesia will face China on Thursday, 5 June, at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta, as part of the Asian zone’s Group C qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Before the match, the national team will hold a training camp at the Bali United Training Center starting Monday, 26 May. Romeny, 24, arrived early on Thursday and offered his first impressions of the island.
“This is my first time in Bali,” Romeny said. “I think it’s a bit hotter and more humid than Jakarta.”
Though he hadn’t yet explored much of the island, Romeny expressed curiosity about the facilities and the coming days of training.
“I’ve only heard about it, haven’t seen it yet. We’ll see what it’s like when the camp starts on the 26th.”
Who is Ole Romeny?
Born in the Netherlands, Ole Romeny is part of a growing wave of players with Indonesian heritage brought into the national team from overseas, many of them through naturalization or descent.
A forward currently playing for FC Utrecht in the Dutch Eredivisie, Romeny became eligible for Indonesia after confirming his Indonesian roots. He made his debut for the national team earlier this year.
His case is not unique. Indonesia’s national football team has increasingly drawn from its diaspora — especially from the Netherlands — in an effort to elevate the country’s international performance. Players like Sandy Walsh, Jordi Amat, and Ivar Jenner have also joined the squad through similar pathways, often making their first visits to Indonesia only after being called up.
For some, this means encountering iconic locations like Bali for the very first time while wearing the national colors.
Eyes on China — and the World Cup
Romeny emphasized the importance of Indonesia’s upcoming qualifiers, particularly the home match against China.
“These are very important matches for us,” he said. “I know Indonesia has to win to keep our chances alive for the World Cup.”
Indonesia currently sits in Group C alongside Iraq, China, and Japan. With two matches remaining — against China and then away to Japan — points are critical if Indonesia is to advance to the next phase of qualifiers. Romeny, who adds fresh attacking options for head coach Patrick Kluivert, said the team is fully focused on avoiding dropped points.
As the squad gears up in Bali all eyes are on Thursday’s clash, where victory could mean a significant step forward in the country’s World Cup dream.
