MARC Klok is not just another foreign player who came, played, and left. He went beyond that, planting his heart in the land he now calls home. More than just competing on the pitch, the Dutch-born midfielder took on a different challenge, language, culture, and identity. For him, being part of Indonesia is not just a legal status; it’s a journey of commitment and belonging.
When Klok arrived in Indonesia in 2017 to join PSM Makassar, he quickly realized that communication would be a major challenge. English wasn’t widely spoken in the city.
I knew that if I really wanted to live here, I had to be able to talk to people, understand them, and be part of the community.
Starting from zero, he immersed himself in the language, asking questions, listening carefully, and applying what he learned in daily life. It wasn’t an instant process, but he approached it with determination.
It was tough at first, but I kept trying. After two years, I could understand conversations, and by the third year, I was confident enough to speak. Even now, I’m still learning because I believe language is an important part of my identity, not just as a player, but as someone living in Indonesia.
What made the journey even more meaningful was the warmth and kindness of the Indonesian people.
Here, I learned what it means to be grateful. The people are warm, they always smile, and they welcomed me with open arms. That’s what made me fall in love with Indonesia.
When the opportunity came to play for the Indonesian national team, Klok felt an entirely different sense of pride. He was no longer just a club player in Indonesia, he was representing the country.
I never imagined playing for the national team. Then people started saying I should try. I thought, why not? Later, I talked to my father, and he told me that our family actually has ancestry from Makassar. It felt like destiny.
Wearing the red and white jersey for the first time was an unforgettable moment.
I remember that day clearly. We had a one-month training camp before the SEA Games. The training was really tough, I was pushed to my limits. But when the first match arrived, when I finally wore the national team jersey, it felt like a dream come true. I knew this was the start of something special.
Since making his debut with the U-23 national team at the 2021 SEA Games, Klok has remained an integral part of the Garuda squad. One of his most historic moments came when he scored a crucial penalty against Kuwait in the 2023 Asian Cup Qualifiers. That goal secured Indonesia’s 2-1 victory and sealed their place in the tournament—a feat the country hadn’t achieved in 16 years.
When the ball hit the back of the net, I knew we had made it to the next round. It was an incredible feeling, not just for me, but for the entire team and all Indonesian supporters.
Off the field, Klok strives to be more than just a naturalized player. He actively helps new players adjust, ensuring they feel at home in the team and the country.
I know how difficult the adaptation process can be because I’ve been through it myself. So I always try to help, especially the newly naturalized players, so they can settle in faster.
Despite being a product of naturalization, Klok believes that Indonesia must focus on developing homegrown talent.
I truly believe Indonesia has amazing local talents. We need to keep investing in them, giving them opportunities to grow. Naturalization can help, but it shouldn’t be the long-term solution.
When asked about his life philosophy, Klok answered simply: always stay positive.
I believe that being grateful and maintaining a positive mindset is key. It’s not about how much you have or how big your achievements are, but about the impact you leave on others. When I came to Indonesia, I saw how people here are always grateful. That really inspired me.
Today, Marc Klok is more than just a footballer in Indonesia. He is part of Indonesia. From someone who initially came to play, he has now put down roots, embraced the language and culture, and most importantly, proudly fights for the red and white with all his heart.
