Justin Hubner, a promising young footballer for Wolverhampton Wanderers, recently opened up about his unique journey as part of Indonesia’s national team. While his football skills have made him a rising star, his connection to Indonesia goes beyond the pitch – his journey of learning and embracing Indonesian culture has deepened his sense of belonging, especially through learning the national anthem, "Indonesia Raya."
Bet on football with 1xBetIn an exclusive interview with Telecom Asia Sport, Hubner shared the story of his adaptation to Indonesian life, particularly the challenge of learning the national anthem, a song that holds significant importance for the nation.
Hubner, whose roots are in the Netherlands, explained how his teammate and roommate, Ivar Jenner, played a pivotal role in his learning process.
It took me a while to learn the national anthem, but my roommate, Ivar, helped me a lot. I’m still learning, and every time we have a game, I try to get better at it.
Justin Hubner
Hubner’s commitment to singing the anthem properly highlights his dedication to becoming fully integrated into the Indonesian team. He practices in his spare time, sometimes even rehearsing in front of Jenner, who offers encouragement. This learning experience has not only strengthened Hubner’s linguistic abilities but also reinforced the bond between the two players.
Hubner’s connection to Indonesia is not merely a result of his naturalization process; his family background has also played a crucial role.
In my family, whenever we celebrate birthdays, we always have Indonesian food. The culture has always been present in my life.
Justin Hubner
As Hubner continues to grow as a player and adapt to his new team, his journey of learning "Indonesia Raya" serves as a symbol of his integration into the Indonesian national identity. While football remains his primary focus, this commitment to learning the anthem demonstrates his respect for the country and his desire to represent Indonesia with pride, both on and off the field.
With upcoming FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Japan and Saudi Arabia, fans are eager to see whether Hubner will get the chance to showcase his growing bond with Indonesia on a global stage. Regardless of the outcome, Hubner’s efforts to embrace the culture and language prove that his connection to Indonesia runs much deeper than football.