Jakarta. Goalkeeper Maarten Paes took the oath as an Indonesian citizen on Tuesday, ahead of crucial World Cup qualifying matches where Indonesia needs a win to qualify for the third round.

The Dutch-born footballer, who has his Indonesian roots from his grandmother, is set to join the national team already packed with naturalized players despite initial doubt about his eligibility because he has played multiple times for the Netherlands U-21 team.

He currently plays for the American club FC Dallas, which visited Jakarta in January as part of its Asian tour. At that time, Paes was received in a meeting with Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) Chairman Erick Thohir discussing his citizenship.

The House of Representatives approved the plan to award Paes and two other Dutch footballers Ragnar Oratmangoen and Thom Haye with the Indonesian citizenship on March 7, followed by a decree confirming their new citizenship signed by President Joko Widodo 11 days later.

However,  the oath-taking ceremony for Paes was held only on Tuesday because the PSSI had first to ensure that he is eligible to play for the national team.

The ceremony was held quietly at the Justice Ministry’s Jakarta office without prior announcement to the press. 

If selected to the national team, Paes will become the 11th naturalized player under coach Shin Tae-yong. Other naturalized players already in the squad include Elkan Baggott, Marc Klok, Jordi Amat, Sandy Walsh, Shayne Pattynama, Ivar Jenner, Rafael Struick, Justin Hubner, Jay Idzes and Nathan Tjoe-A-On.

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