Challenges in Naturalizing Dutch-born Goalkeeper Marten Paes for Indonesian National Team

Bola.net – Naturalization process for Dutch-born goalkeeper, Marten Paes for the Indonesian National Team, it turns out it’s not easy. There was a problem with FIFA regulations, Paes was already old enough when he was called up by the Dutch national team.

Until now, Paes has not taken the oath as an Indonesian citizen. The 24 year old goalkeeper is hampered by FIFA statutes. Paes last played for the Dutch U-21 National Team, at the age of 22.

As a result, the process of moving the federation from the Dutch KNVB to the Indonesian PSSI at FIFA experienced problems. To be precise, in FIFA statutes, article 9 concerning the transfer of associations, letter b, paragraph three.

“When played in his last official match in any competition for his current association, he has not yet reached the age of 21,” the rules read.

Seeing the obstacles to Paes’ naturalization process, former Arema FC and Rans Nusantara goalkeeper coach, Yanuar ‘Begal’ Harmansyah gave his comments.

He saw that there would be no problem if Paes failed to defend the Indonesian national team. According to him, the goalkeeper position is actually safe.

“For the time being, the goalkeeper position can still be entrusted to local players. “Because the goalkeeper who performed yesterday is still good,” he said.

1 of 2 pages

Safe Local Stock

In the two 2026 World Cup qualifying matches against Vietnam, the Indonesian national team played two different goalkeepers, namely Adi Satryo and Ernando Ari. Both managed to keep a clean sheet. Although the two goalkeepers were also helped by the good performance of the defenders.

Apart from these two names, there are still Nadeo Argawinata and Muhammad Riyandi who are also regulars with the Indonesian National Team.

This means that in the goalkeeper sector, Indonesia has many choices of quality players. So it is felt that naturalized goalkeepers are not yet an urgent need for the Indonesian National Team.

2 of 2 pages

Results of League 1 Goalkeeper Coach Development

Regarding the performance of local goalkeepers, Begal saw that this was a reflection of the performance of League 1 goalkeeper coaches. He gave an example, Ernando is currently the main choice and cannot be separated from the goalkeeper coach of his club, Persebaya Surabaya.

“Ernando at his club is coached by Beny van Breukelen. Reactive when it comes to support, both defensive and offensive are okay. Save area, save goal is also good. “This means that as a modern goalkeeper, what is needed has now been carried out by the goalkeeper coaches at the club,” he continued.

Begal had time to polish the Indonesian national team players. One of them is Kurnia Meiga. However, he trained Meiga at Arema FC. After that, there were the names Kartika Ajie, Teguh Amiruddin and several other names. Until now, Begal feels responsible for finding Indonesia’s future goalkeepers.

Adapted from: Bola.com (Iwan Setiawan/Wiwig Prayugi) 6 April 2024