Ciro Alves, Who Is Now Defending North Maluku United, Officially Submits A Naturalization Application

Ciro Alves visited the Ministry of Law and Human Rights for a naturalization request (dak. Antara).

JAKARTA - Malut United player, Ciro Alves, has now officially submitted a naturalization request for the status of an Indonesian citizen (WNI). The move began with Ciro by visiting the North Maluku Regional Office of the Ministry of Law (Kemenkum) on Monday, December 8, 2025.

Quoted from Antara, Ciro did not attend alone, but was accompanied by Assistant Manager of North Maluku United, Asghar Saleh. The assistant stated that the club fully supports Ciro's desire to become an Indonesian citizen.

In addition to administrative reasons, Asghar assessed that Ciro has quality and experience that can have a positive impact on the development of Indonesian football.

"Ciro has lived in Indonesia since 2019 and has great talent. He can play a role in improving the Indonesian football ecosystem, especially in North Maluku," said Asghar as quoted by Antara, Monday, December 9, 2025.

Ciro's international experience, which once strengthened Brazil's National Team at the U-20 World Cup, was also touched on by his assistant who was considered to be of more value.

Currently, he is also one of the main pillars of North Maluku United in the Super League and his presence is said to have the potential to become a coach in the future.

The arrival of Ciro and his entourage was greeted directly by the Head of the North Maluku Kemenkumham Regional Office, Budi Argap Situngkir, accompanied by Legal Analyst M. Sidik.

During the meeting, the Regional Office expressed full support for the player's naturalization efforts which were considered to have contributed significantly to football in North Maluku.

"We support the naturalization process of Brother Ciro to become an Indonesian citizen. If the application file is complete and appropriate, we can process it immediately through the online AHU system," said Argap.

In a separate interview session, Ciro conveyed the personal reason why he wanted to become an Indonesian citizen. For him, Indonesia is no longer just a place to work, but has become a home for himself and his family.

"I played here and have fallen in love with the Indonesian state," said Ciro.

He also emphasized his commitment to relinquishing previous citizenship and not taking dual citizenship according to Indonesian law.

With this consultation visit, the naturalization process of Ciro Alves officially entered its initial stage. Furthermore, Malut United will complete all requested documents to be then processed through the general legal administration system.