Complete Naturalization, Eliano Reijnders And Mees Hilgers Officially Become Indonesian Citizens

Eliano Reijnders and Mees Hilgers officially became Indonesian citizens (doc. PSSI).

The Naturalization of Mees Hilgers and Eliano Reijnders was finally completed on Monday, September 30, 2024, evening WIB. The two players have now officially assumed the status of Indonesian citizens (WNI) after undergoing their oath in Brussels, Belgium.

The completion of the naturalization of Mees and Eliano was appreciated by the General Chairperson (Ketum) of PSSI, Erick Thohir. According to him, accelerating the management of Indonesian citizens for the two players abroad is not special, but more flexibility considering the timing and needs of the Indonesian national team ahead of the 2026 Asian Zone World Cup Qualification match.

"I thank all parties, starting from President Jokowi, Commission III of the DPR, Commission VI of the DPR, Director General of AHU and Director General of Immigration, as well as DKI Jakarta Dukcapil which allows the acceleration of the oath of Indonesian citizens two of our naturalization players, Mees and Eliano," said Erick Thohir in an official statement quoted Monday, September 30, 2024.

"Why should it be done in Brussels? Because the two players do not have a time lag if taking the oath must be in Indonesia."

"While we hope that both of them can play when the Indonesian national team competes against Bahrain and China, October 2024. This is the cooperation of all parties. I am proud that all work for Indonesia," he said again.

The oath-taking of Indonesian citizens Mees and Eliano was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, the Director General of General Legal Administration (Dirjen AHU), Cahyo Rahadian Muzhar, witnessed by the Indonesian Ambassador to Belgium and the European Union, Andri Hadi, and a member of the PSSI Executive Committee, Arya Sinulingga.

"I really hope that the support that has been given to the maximum from all parties will further strengthen the Indonesian national team in two very crucial away matches against Bahrain and China," said Erick Thohir.

"I am optimistic that coach Shin Tae-yong will have a new strategy and game plan with the presence of two players who are the mainstays of their respective clubs," said the PSSI chairman.

The Red-White national team is scheduled to travel against Bahrain on Thursday, October 10, 2024, and China on October 15, 2024.