Three Players Will Undergo Naturalization For The Indonesian National Team, This Week Speeded Up

PSSI will naturalize three diaspora players before Indonesia's match in the Third Round of the 2026 Asian Zone World Cup Qualification against Australia on March 20, 2025.

"Alhamdulillah, it looks like the process to strengthen our team for the match against Australia seems a bit bright."

"Yesterday, Ole Romeny's papers were issued from FIFA so that he could strengthen the Indonesian national team (against Australia)."

"There are several of our players in front, such as Ragnar (Oratmangoen) can't play because there is a yellow card," said PSSI General Chair Erick Thohir, at a press conference in Jakarta, quoted on Monday, February 24, 2025.

"However, there are some that we see also need to be strengthened, one of which is in goalkeepers. Because Maarten Paes is extraordinary, we also talked to Marteen Paes that competition is needed. Maarten is very accepting," he said again.

To increase competition for Paes, Erick is approaching former Inter Milan and Juventus goalkeeper Emil Audero Mulyadi. Meanwhile, in other sectors, PSSI is building communication with midfielders Joey Pelupessy and Dean James.

"This (Joey) has been in discussion after thinking, what position he is also needed, and finally he is captain at his club."

"He's already played at Eredivisie, in England, Sheffield Wednesday, then also now in the Belgian League."

"I think I can support the midfield of the Indonesian national team, which is currently lacking," said the chairman of PSSI.

Meanwhile, regarding Dean James, Erick explained that PSSI needed thickening in the Indonesian national team defender sector.

"We also need to thicken our left-backs, wing-backs, which can also be left-handed midfielders to support if the players in attack positions are reduced in depth. This is what we are processing," said Erick.

Erick Thohir further explained that PSSI had reported the situation to President Prabowo Subianto, Minister of Youth and Sports Dito Ariotedjo, and starting this week a more serious process would be carried out.

"We will catch up so we can play in March 2025. So, if Ole can definitely play, but we will encourage all three of the documents."

"I also have plans to meet the House of Representatives Commission X on Monday, February 24, 2025, WIB night, to ensure the extraordinary DPR support so far for the Indonesian national team," said Erick Thohir.