Marselino Ferdinan, a rising star in Indonesian football, is rapidly gaining international attention for his exceptional talent and achievements. Yet behind his on-field success lies a rich family story that has played a crucial role in shaping his character and journey. Born into a family rooted in both Eastern Indonesian and Javanese traditions, Marselino’s parents have provided the cultural foundation and unwavering support that helped him thrive. Exploring his parenting background reveals how family, culture, and values intertwine to create a strong, resilient athlete ready to represent his nation on the global stage.
Cultural Roots and Family Background
Father from Ngada, East Nusa Tenggara
Marselino’s father, Philipus Wio Roja Lodo, hails from the village of Boua in Bajawa, Ngada Regency, East Nusa Tenggara. This region is known for its strong Ngada culture, which emphasizes community, tradition, and resilience. The family name Dhewa Kedhi’ in Marselino’s full traditional name Marselino Ferdinan Dhewa Kedhi reflects the customary practice of honoring lineage through ancestral. It is believed that ‘Dhewa’ comes from his paternal great-grandfather, Moses Dhewa.
Mother from Surabaya, East Java
On the other side, Marselino’s mother, Sudarwijani, is originally from Surabaya, East Java. As a former train attendant with PT Kereta Api Indonesia, she represents the practical, city-centered work ethic and openness to opportunity. Her influence brought another cultural layer to the household: Javanese hospitality, discipline, and adaptability.
Parental Professions and Influence
Mother as Train Attendant
Working as a pramugari kereta api (train attendant), Sudarwijani developed strong interpersonal and organizational skills. These traits likely carried into family life emphasizing punctuality, responsibility, and service to others. Such qualities benefit Marselino on and off the field, instilling discipline and respect.
Father’s Role in Public Service
Philipus served in PT Kereta Api Indonesia as administrative staff in the General Division. His steady government employment fostered a stable home environment and underscored the importance of dedication and routine. His Ngada heritage also brought family traditions and hard-working values into Marselino’s upbringing.
Traditional Naming and Cultural Identity
The Significance of Dhewa Kedhi
The name Dhewa Kedhi is historically significant among Ngada people and likely honors Marselino’s ancestral heritage. It ties him to a legacy that emphasizes respect for elders and cultural cohesion. This naming practice demonstrates how his parents ensured that Marselino grows up grounded in Ngada cultural identity even while aiming for sports stardom.
Blending Cultures at Home
By combining Ngada traditions with Javanese urban sensibilities, Marselino’s parents created a multicultural environment that is uniquely Indonesian. This exposure to diverse customs, languages, and values may contribute to his adaptability an important trait when playing abroad in Belgium with Deinze and England with Oxford United.
Family Dynamics and Sibling Bonds
Younger Among Four Siblings
Marselino is the youngest of four children, growing up with older siblings and within an extended family structure. This environment likely encouraged teamwork, patience, and ambition. In a competitive yet supportive household, Marselino learned to connect, contribute, and excel.
Brother in Professional Football
His older brother, Oktafianus Fernando, is also a professional footballer. Previously playing for Persebaya Surabaya and later PSIS Semarang, he serves as a model that life in football is attainable. This sibling example offers real-world guidance career advice, emotional support, and mentorship during challenging times.
Parental Support for Sports Aspirations
Empowering Growth
In a 2022 feature, it was revealed that Marselino’s father and mother retired from their jobs shortly after his birth, suggesting a shift toward focusing on family possibly allowing them to dedicate more time to family and his development. Their early investment created an environment conducive to training, school support, and athletic participation.
Balancing Education and Football
While Marselino advanced through Persebaya Surabaya’s youth academy, his family prioritized education. Marselino spent childhood schooling in Surabaya, reflecting his family’s dual focus. This balance reflects parental wisdom: success in sports can be fleeting, but education offers life-long opportunity.
Values Passed Down to Marselino
Cultural Respect and Humility
From his Ngada father, Marselino learned respect for cultural roots, humility, and communal values. From his Javanese mother, he likely picked up social grace, flexibility, and emotional intelligence critical for navigating media, teammates, and public life.
Work Ethic and Resilience
The combination of a disciplined work environment and a modest upbringing shaped Marselino’s perseverance. His consistency at club and national levels mirrors values instilled by his parents: diligence, consistency, and focus.
Parental Influence on Career Path
Choice of Football over Other Options
Support from his parents was key when he chose sports. Their trust likely fueled his confidence as he joined Persebaya’s system in 2019 and overcame relocation to Europe.
Handling Fame and Pressure
With over 38 national caps by age 20, Marselino is exposed to intense media attention. The cultural grounding and family values instilled by his parents help him handle this pressure with grace and mental strength.
Preserving Family Connections Abroad
Staying Grounded Overseas
As he plays in Belgium and England, Marselino carries his parents’ values across borders. Their cultural legacy remains important, helping with identity and psychological support especially when adapting to new languages, cultures, and competitive environments.
Celebrating Roots Publicly
Marselino occasionally references his parents and upbringing in interviews and social media. Their story resonates with fans symbolizing talent grounded in humble, diverse beginnings, giving hope to young Indonesians with similar backgrounds.
The story of Marselino Ferdinan’s parents an East Nusa Tenggara father and a Surabaya mother offers insight into how culture, values, and family support combine to shape a young athlete’s path. Their professions reflect discipline and service, their naming traditions affirm cultural pride, and their parenting decisions provided a nurturing, balanced environment. As Marselino continues his journey in international football, he carries with him a legacy of cultural richness, hard work, humility, and familial love a testament to how parents can profoundly influence and elevate their child’s destiny.
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