Jordy Wehrmann, a talented football player of Indonesian descent, recently made headlines when he revealed that he had to cancel his naturalization process to play for the Indonesian national team. The reason? His skin color.
Wehrmann, who was born in the Netherlands to an Indonesian mother and a Dutch father, has always identified as Indonesian despite his fair complexion. He has been playing football since he was a child and has always dreamed of representing Indonesia on the international stage. However, when he applied for Indonesian citizenship in order to play for the national team, he was met with resistance because of his appearance.
In an interview, Wehrmann shared his disappointment and frustration at being denied the opportunity to play for the country he loves simply because of his skin color. He emphasized that his passion for Indonesia runs deep and that he has always felt a strong connection to his Indonesian roots, despite not fitting the stereotype of what an Indonesian should look like.
Wehrmann’s case highlights the issue of colorism in Indonesia, where fair skin is often seen as more desirable and superior to darker skin tones. This prejudice not only affects individuals like Wehrmann who do not fit the traditional image of an Indonesian, but also perpetuates harmful stereotypes and discrimination within society.
Despite the setback, Wehrmann remains hopeful that he will one day be able to represent Indonesia on the football field. He continues to train hard and work towards his goal of playing for the national team, regardless of the obstacles he may face.
In the meantime, Wehrmann’s story serves as a reminder that identity is not defined by skin color, and that all Indonesians, regardless of their appearance, should be given the opportunity to showcase their talent and represent their country with pride. As Wehrmann himself said, “My skin is putih, tapi saya Indonesia” – my skin is fair, but I am Indonesian. And that is what truly matters.
