Mataram. A non-governmental organization on Sunday proposed granting sensational football coach Shin Tae-Yong honorary citizenship after leading the Indonesian football team to the Asian Cup semifinal for the first time in history.

The success also presents the Indonesian football team with its best chance to compete in the Olympics for the first time ever.

"With his vision, dedication, and exceptional leadership, STY shows us that big dreams can come true," said Bambang Mei Finarwanto of the Mi6 Political and Social Research Institute, using the initials of the South Korean-born coach.

The Indonesian U-23 team reached the last four of the Asian Cup by defeating South Korea in shootouts after a thrilling 2-2 draw in the quarterfinal match, which was also Indonesia’s first in the tournament.

Under Shin’s guidance and with the inclusion of several naturalized players, the national team has achieved a record streak in recent months. Earlier this year, the senior team reached the Asian Cup’s last 16 for the first time.

According to the latest FIFA world rankings published last month, the Indonesian men’s football team has accumulated the most points among all teams globally and climbed eight spots.

With 30 points earned, Indonesia's rise in the rankings was the biggest in the latest update, placing them at 134th globally and third in Southeast Asia.

Indonesia is also poised to advance to the third round of World Cup qualifying, needing just a win against either the Philippines or Iraq in the upcoming matches.

However, it was the remarkable run of the U-23 team that captured the biggest attention of football fans nationwide. Indonesia has defeated Asian powerhouses Australia, Jordan, and South Korea en route to the semifinals, a feat unimaginable in the past.

If they defeat Uzbekistan in the semifinals, the Indonesian team will automatically qualify for the Paris Olympics.

In football history, Guus Hiddink stands out as a notable example of a foreign football coach awarded honorary citizenship for his historic achievements. The Dutchman received the honor for guiding co-host South Korea to the semifinals of the 2002 World Cup.

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