The naturalization process of two prospective Indonesian national team players, Mees Hilgers, and Eliano Reijnders, has reached its final stage.
After undergoing various steps of the naturalization process, the two players have now progressed to the next phase, which involves attending a working meeting with Commission X of the House of Representatives (DPR) of the Republic of Indonesia, alongside the Minister of Youth and Sports, Ario Bimo Nandito Ariotedjo, the Secretary General of the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI), Yunus Nusi, and PSSI Executive Committee member, Vivin Cahyani Sungkono.
During the meeting, Eliano Reijnders participated virtually via Zoom. In this working meeting, both Eliano Reijnders and Mees Hilgers were recommended and approved by Commission X of the DPR RI to receive Indonesian citizenship. The granting of citizenship is under the prevailing laws and regulations.
Read also: Menyala Garuda: Get to Know the Indonesian Descent Player Who Lights Up the Team!
Following the working meeting with Commission X, both prospective players attended the Plenary Session, chaired by DPR RI Deputy Speaker Lodewijk Freidrich Paulus, on Thursday, September 19, 2024.
In this session, Lodewijk Freidrich asked the meeting participants whether the two players' citizenship requests should be approved. The entire assembly responded enthusiastically and loudly with a resounding "Agree."
The naturalization of Mees Hilgers and Eliano Reijnders is part of PSSI’s efforts to strengthen the Indonesian national team in its quest to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Their presence is expected to bolster the Garuda squad in the Third Round of the World Cup Qualifiers Group C. Currently, Indonesia is grouped with Australia, Bahrain, China, Japan, and Saudi Arabia.
Furthermore, Indonesia is the only Southeast Asian representative in this third round of World Cup qualifiers. To date, the Garuda team remains undefeated after two initial matches. The first match resulted in a 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabia, while the second saw a goalless 0-0 draw against Australia.
According to the official PSSI website, Dito Ariotedjo, the Minister of Youth and Sports, stated that the players undergoing the naturalization process are 100 percent of Indonesian descent. In addition to aiding Indonesia’s journey to the 2026 World Cup, these naturalized players are also expected to help the national team break into the top 100 of the FIFA rankings.
"The players we are processing are 100 percent of Indonesian descent. This is to help Indonesia reach the top 100 in FIFA rankings. Regarding youth development, there’s no need to worry," said Minister Dito.
Currently, the naturalization process is advancing toward the issuance of a Presidential Decree and the oath-taking of citizenship by the Ministry of Law and Human Rights. After they officially take the oath as Indonesian citizens, the two players will proceed with transferring their football federation membership.
In the coming weeks, the Indonesian national team will continue their World Cup 2026 Third Round Group C qualifying matches, facing Bahrain on October 10 and China on October 15
