Menpora Optimistic Naturalization Of Calvin Verdonk And Jens Raven Completed On Time

Calvin Verdink, his naturalization file has entered the DPR (Instagram/@c.verdonk).

JAKARTA - Menpora Dito Ariotedjo discussed the progress of naturalization of two players for the Indonesian national team. Good news and optimism were then revealed by Dito Aritedjo because he said the files of Calvin Verdok and Jens Raven were now in the DPR RI.

Along with documents that have been submitted to the DPR, Dito is optimistic that in the near future a trial will be held at Commission X and Commission III of the DPR RI as a naturalization stage for players.

"It has been submitted back to the DPR, tomorrow (22.5/2024) after working hours I will try to communicate with the leadership of the DPR. Hopefully it can be as needed by the Indonesian national team," said Dito Ariotedjo in a statement in Jakarta quoted on Tuesday, May 21, 2024.

"Yes (there will be a Commission III and Commission X meeting). Yesterday (the two commissions meeting) was on time, now God willing, it will be on time too," he said.

Meanwhile, Calvin Verdink and Jens Raven are still waiting for the naturalization process, Maarten Paes has actually received the status of Indonesian citizens. However, at this time he is still undergoing the process of transferring the federation from KNVB (Netherlands) to PSSI.

Previously, PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir targeted the naturalization of Calvin Verdok and Jens Raven to be completed this month. The two players are projected to be able to appear in the second round of the 2026 Asian Zone World Cup Qualification in June 2024.

"If Calvin Verdink is with Jens Raven, he has to take the oath again, wait, hopefully in May 2024 the third week (finished). Yes, if it has been sworn in, yes, we can (join the Indonesian national team). We will try to play the three of them," said Erick Thohir in early April 2024.

In fact, the presence of the three naturalized players will be good news and increase the confidence of the Indonesian national team which will appear in the second round of the 2026 World Cup Qualification.

The Indonesian national team will face Iraq on June 6, 2024, then the Philippines on June 11, 2024 at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, Jakarta.

However, so far, the names of the three have not been included in the 22-player calling list released by the coach of the Indonesian national team, Shin Tae-yong. You see, the naturalization of the three has not been completely completed.