Three Foreign Players Shine in Week 3 of BRI Super League: Marukawa the Assist King, Bartholdy the Wall for Java United

Dewa United confirmed their place at the top of the provisional BRI Super League 2026/2027 standings after defeating PSS Sleman 2-1 at Banten International Stadium on Sunday (20/9/2026). The win completed a perfect start to their first three matches, collecting 10 points, one point ahead of Persija Jakarta and Madura United, who are trailing in second and third place.

Behind that run of positive results, the performances of foreign players once again came under the spotlight. Taisei Marukawa, a 29-year-old Japanese winger, was the main architect of Banten Warriors' comeback. After falling behind, Marukawa equalized in the 49th minute from a Denilson Junior pass. Eight minutes later, he provided the assist for Carlos Iury Bezerra Da Silva's goal that turned the game around. That additional goal and assist took Marukawa to the top of the league's assist chart with four assists, while reinforcing his role as the engine of Dewa United's attack.

Marukawa's contribution is not just about statistics. He has spent five years playing in Indonesian football, and his fine form is said to strengthen his chances of naturalization to reinforce the Indonesia national team. If realized, this move could be a breath of fresh air for Garuda's front line, which has often struggled to score from the wings.

In Bandar Lampung, Allano Brendon De Souza Lima showed his sharpness. The Brazilian striker opened the scoring for Bhayangkara FC against Isenmulang FC in the 59th minute after receiving a pass from Frengky Missa. The goal was his second of the season, having previously also scored against Persebaya in Week 1. He did not stop there: Allano also provided an assist for T.M Ichsan's goal that sealed the 2-0 win. This combination of a goal and an assist underlined Allano's dual role as both finisher and creator, something rare for his position.

Meanwhile, in Gianyar, goalkeeper Jorge Meurer Bartholdy was brilliant even though Java United had to surrender 0-1 to Persija Jakarta. Bartholdy made six saves throughout the match, the highest number among all goalkeepers in Week 3. His actions in withstanding the Kemayoran Tigers' attacking line kept Java United competitive until the final whistle. This performance confirmed that individual quality between the posts can be the difference in a competitive league.

"We lost points, but Bartholdy's performance gives us confidence that the back line can be relied on," said a Java United official after the match.

Overall, the third week served up intriguing dynamics. At the top, Dewa United are beginning to show consistency as title candidates, while Persija and Madura United continue to keep close. Conversely, PSS Sleman, Persijap Jepara, and Isenmulang FC remain stuck without points from three matches, indicating deep-rooted problems that need to be addressed immediately. The role of foreign players is also increasingly crucial, not only as goal threats but also as tempo setters and goalkeepers.

For Indonesian football, the performances of these foreign players add their own flavor. Their presence raises the league's competitiveness, but it also raises questions about the regeneration of local players. Marukawa's naturalization, if it happens, could be a short-term solution for the national team, but it still needs to be balanced with youth development. Going forward, will this foreign-player dominance push the competition standard higher, or will it instead shift opportunities away from local players? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the BRI Super League 2026/2027 is delivering increasingly fierce competition.