The Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) has officially approved the naturalization of several foreign-born footballers, including Italian-born goalkeeper Emil Audero, in a landmark plenary session. The decision is seen as a major step forward in strengthening Indonesia’s national football team as it prepares for upcoming international competitions.

During the plenary meeting held at the DPR building in Jakarta, lawmakers unanimously agreed to grant Indonesian citizenship to Emil Audero and other selected players who have expressed their commitment to representing Indonesia on the global stage. This move follows months of deliberation, assessments by the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI), and evaluations from the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

Who is Emil Audero?

Emil Audero Mulyadi, currently playing as a goalkeeper for Inter Milan on loan from Sampdoria, has long been a target for the Indonesian national team. Born in Mataram, Indonesia, to an Indonesian father and an Italian mother, Audero moved to Italy at a young age and built his career through the ranks of Juventus before establishing himself in Serie A.

Despite having represented Italy at various youth levels, the 27-year-old has not yet played for the senior national team, leaving the door open for him to switch allegiance. His decision to pursue Indonesian citizenship has been met with excitement from fans and football officials, who believe his experience in European football will be invaluable for the national team’s future.

The Naturalization Process and Its Importance

The process of naturalizing foreign-born JPTOTO football players has become part of Indonesia’s broader strategy to improve the performance of its national team. Countries such as Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and China have successfully integrated naturalized players into their squads, and Indonesia is now following suit.

The process involves several stages, including recommendations from the PSSI, approvals from the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, and a final review by the DPR. During the plenary session, lawmakers assessed the players’ backgrounds, their contributions to football, and their willingness to uphold Indonesia’s national identity. The approval of Emil Audero and his fellow players is expected to boost Indonesia’s competitiveness, particularly in the AFC Asian Cup and FIFA World Cup qualification rounds.

Other Players Granted Indonesian Citizenship

Apart from Emil Audero, the naturalization package includes several other footballers who have Indonesian heritage or strong ties to the country. Among them are:

• Jordi Amat (Defender) – The Spanish-born center-back, who formerly played for Swansea City and now represents Johor Darul Ta’zim in Malaysia, has already debuted for the Indonesian national team. His leadership at the back is seen as crucial for the team’s development.
• Sandy Walsh (Right-Back) – The Dutch-Indonesian defender, currently playing in the Belgian Pro League, has been a fan favorite due to his commitment to the Indonesian national team.
• Shayne Pattynama (Left-Back) – Another Dutch-Indonesian footballer, Shayne is expected to provide defensive versatility.

Reactions from Officials and Fans

PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir expressed his gratitude to the DPR and government officials for supporting the naturalization efforts. “This is a historic day for Indonesian football. We are not just bringing in players; we are bringing in experience, leadership, and international exposure. Emil Audero and the others will strengthen our team and help us compete at a higher level,” said Thohir. Minister of Youth and Sports, Dito Ariotedjo, also highlighted the importance of the decision, emphasizing that the naturalization process is part of a larger national football development program. “Indonesia has great local talent, but we also need international experience to compete in Asia and the world. These players will help us accelerate our progress,” he stated.

Public and Media Reaction

The Indonesian football community has responded positively to the news, with many fans expressing their excitement on social media. Hashtags such as #WelcomeEmilAudero and #GarudaMendunia have been trending on Twitter, with supporters eagerly anticipating Audero’s debut for the national team. However, some critics argue that Indonesia should focus more on developing homegrown talent rather than relying on naturalized players. In response, PSSI has reiterated that naturalization is only one part of a broader strategy, which also includes strengthening youth development programs and improving domestic leagues.

What’s Next for Emil Audero and the National Team?

With his naturalization now approved, Emil Audero is expected to complete the administrative process and receive his Indonesian passport soon. Once finalized, he will be eligible to play for the national team in upcoming FIFA-sanctioned matches Indonesia is currently preparing for crucial World Cup qualification matches and the AFF Championship. The arrival of Audero, alongside other naturalized players, could significantly improve the team’s performance.

Head coach Shin Tae-yong has welcomed the decision, stating that Audero’s presence will bring much-needed depth to Indonesia’s goalkeeping department, which has struggled in recent years “We are building a strong team, and having players with European experience will help us immensely. Emil Audero is a high-caliber goalkeeper who can inspire the squad and bring stability to our defense,” Shin Tae-yong commented.

Conclusion: A New Era for Indonesian Football?

The approval of Emil Audero’s naturalization, along with other key players, marks a new chapter for Indonesian football. While challenges remain, this move signals Indonesia’s ambition to elevate its footballing standards and compete more effectively on the international stage As the national team continues its preparations, all eyes will be on Emil Audero and his fellow naturalized teammates as they don the Garuda jersey and strive to bring pride to the country.