Naturalization Approved By DPR, Calvin Verdok-Jens Raven Expected Menpora To Down In The Indonesia Vs Iraq Match

Menpora Dito Ariotedjo/PHOTO: Nailin In Saroh-VOI

JAKARTA - Minister of Youth and Sports (Menpora) Dito Ariotedjo hopes that two players of Calvin Ronald Verdok and Jens Raven will compete in Indonesia vs Iraq and Indonesia against the Philippines in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

This hope was conveyed by the Minister of Youth and Sports after Commission X of the DPR approved the consideration of citizenship of the Republic of Indonesia or naturalization for Calvin Verdok and Jens Raven.

"Yes, of course, from the process at the Plenary House of Representatives, we will look forward to taking the oath. And we also hope that later we can catch the matches of Iraq and the Philippines," said Dito at the DPR building, Jakarta, Monday, June 3.

According to him, Calvin Verdok and Jens Raven have the opportunity to strengthen the Indonesian national team in qualifying for the 2026 World Cup in the Asian zone.

"So it is very possible, and we will work together to ensure this," said Dito. Dito also revealed that PSSI had prepared the Indonesian national team to fight Iraq and the Philippines maximally, including the summons of these two descendants to defend the country. He hopes that Indonesia can win in the qualifying match.

"I think PSSI has made maximum preparations. This is one of the preparations for the naturalization process for citizenship. So yes, we hope that the results will be proud later," said Dito.

It is known that Commission X of the House of Representatives has approved the consideration of granting citizenship to Calvin Verdonk and Jens Raven.

Commission III of the House of Representatives has also approved the recommendation of naturalization for the two football players who have lines of descent from Aceh and Yogyakarta.

After that, the DPR will decide in a plenary meeting for then Calvin Verdonk and Jens Raven to take the oath as Indonesian citizens (WNI).