Commission X Of The Indonesian House Of Representatives Approved Eliano Reijnders And Mees Hilgers' Naturalization Requests With A Number Of Notes

Menpora and PSSI in a working meeting at the DPR RI discussed the naturalization of Eliano Reijnders and Mees Hilgers (doc. PSSI).

JAKARTA - The working meeting of Commission X of the DPR RI officially approved the naturalization application of Mees Hilgers and Eliano Reijnders on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at 15.00 WIB.

Led by Dr. Ir. Hetifah Sjaifudian, MPP, the working meeting was also attended by Menpora Dito Ariotedjo and PSSI ranks. The meeting determined that all members present agreed to the continued naturalization process of Mees and Eliano.

In the final verdict, Hetifah read out a summary of the results of the meeting which stated that Commission X of the DPR RI approved the recommendations for the naturalization process of the two players concerned.

He also stated that the follow-up process must be in accordance with the applicable law.

"Commission X DPR RI has decided to approve the recommendation of Indonesian citizenship on behalf of Mees Hilgers and Eliano Reijnders provided that the determination of Indonesian citizenship is determined by the competent agency based on the provisions of the applicable invitation law," said Hetifah in chairing the meeting.

With the approval of the naturalization recommendation process, Hetifah hopes that the presence of these two Indonesian-blooded players can be the right step in building football achievements in the country.

"Commission X DPR RI encourages the Government and PSSI to pay attention to all notes and recommendations submitted by the leadership and members of Commission X DPR RI at today's working meeting as a step to build sports achievements, especially national football. Furthermore, the results of this work meeting will be submitted at the DPR RI Plenary Meeting to make a decision," he said.

Before being decided by the chair of the meeting, Desy Ratnasari was always a member of Commission X DPR RI from the PAN faction who also conveyed the naturalization agreement. He hopes that Eliano and Mees can contribute and collaborate for the Indonesian national team as a player who does have a nationalism spirit.

"I hope you (Eliano Reijnders) are good there. We welcome you as an Indonesian citizen. God willing, after this, most importantly we hope that you can collaborate and adapt to Indonesian culture and the football team here as Indonesians, not where you come from now on," said Desy Ratnasari.

Previously, the recommendation for the naturalization process for the two players had also received approval from Commission III of the DPR RI in a working meeting held on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at 13.00 WIB.

That way, the naturalization of Mees Hilgers and Eliano Reijnders will proceed to the next stage, namely the DPR RI Plenary Meeting.

After that, the naturalization of the two will still have to continue to the Ministry of State Secretariat to obtain a decree from the President and then undergo an oath at the Ministry of Law and Human Rights (Kemenkumham) as a final process.

Although it was approved by all members of Commission X DPR RI, a number of notes were also given to the Ministry of Youth and Sports and PSSI.

Nuroji from the Gerindra faction, for example, said PSSI and Kemenpora need to find other strategies to improve their achievements in Indonesian football rather than instantaneous methods through naturalization.

Football development in Indonesia must be addressed in order to produce quality players.

"I agree, but pride is reduced. From the composition now too many naturalized players, even to one team."

"This strategy cannot be carried out continuously in the long term as a way of increasing achievement instantly."

"The Ministry of Youth and Sports and PSSI must have other strategies to prioritize nationalism. For me, nationalism is a fixed price. The victory of the Indonesian national team is thanks to players who are not local, I am not too proud or euphoric," said Nuroji.