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JAKARTA - One player drew particular attention during the Indonesian national team’s training camp ahead of the June 2026 FIFA Matchday at the Madya Stadium in Jakarta on Monday (1 June 2026) afternoon.

That player is Mees Hilgers. The FC Twente defender was seen joining and blending well with his teammates during the training session led directly by head coach John Herdman.

As is known, Mees Hilgers last joined the Indonesian national team during the third round of the 2026 World Cup Asian Qualifiers in early 2025. Since then, he had not been seen wearing the national colours.

The Indonesian national team has now kicked off its training camp as preparation for the June 2026 FIFA Matchday under the direction of coach John Herdman.

The first day of training took place at the Madya Stadium, Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) complex, Jakarta, on Monday (1 June 2026).

This training camp features a completely different squad compared to the previous one, which was aimed at preparing for the 2026 ASEAN Championship or AFF Cup.

However, several players have been recalled by John Herdman, including Rayhan Hannan, Saddil Ramdani, Muhammad Ferarri, Mathew Baker, and Nadeo Argawinata.

In total, 21 players were present for Monday’s (1 June 2026) afternoon session.

Only Calvin Verdonk and Joey Pelupessy were absent from the training ground.

According to the Chairman of the National Team Committee (BTN), Sumardji, both players were scheduled to arrive in Jakarta on Monday (1 June 2026) night.

They are expected to join the training session the following day.

In addition, John Herdman also brought in two prospective naturalised players to the session — Mitchell Baker and Luke Vickery.

Interestingly, the English coach called up one player who had been absent from the Garuda squad for quite some time.

That player is Mees Hilgers.

The FC Twente defender has rejoined the Indonesian national team for the first time since his appearance in the third round of the 2026 World Cup Asian Qualifiers in early 2025.

Based on reports from Kompas.com, the 25-year-old defender has returned to training and was seen actively taking part with the rest of the team.

Hilgers’ inclusion in this June international window has immediately attracted attention.

This is because his name was not initially listed in the final 23-man squad announced by John Herdman for the June 2026 FIFA Matchday fixtures.

It is highly likely that Mees Hilgers was called up to fill the gap left by captain Jay Idzes, who is currently sidelined due to a heel injury.

Hilgers himself has only recently returned from an injury that kept him out for most of the previous season.

During the June 2026 FIFA Matchday, the Indonesian national team is scheduled to face Oman on 5 June 2026 and Mozambique on 9 June 2026.

Both matches will take place at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK) in Jakarta. (*)