The Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) has approved the naturalization process for football players Luke Vickery and Mitchell Baker, clearing the way for the duo to represent the Indonesian national team. According to reports from VIVA.co.id and RRI, the legislative approval is a key step in granting the players Indonesian citizenship based on their ancestral links to the country.
Who are Luke Vickery and Mitchell Baker?
Luke Vickery and Mitchell Baker are players of mixed Indonesian descent currently pursuing their careers in overseas leagues. While specific club details for the pair remain limited in current reports, their eligibility for the national team stems from “darah Indonesia” (Indonesian blood), a common pathway used by the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) to recruit diaspora talent.
The PSSI has increasingly looked toward players with ancestral ties to Indonesia to bolster the squad’s competitiveness in Asian and global competitions. This strategy has previously seen the integration of players from the Netherlands and other European nations into the senior team.
Will Vickery and Baker join the 2026 AFF Cup squad?
The potential inclusion of Vickery and Baker in the national team setup is currently under discussion. Sumardji, a representative of the BTN (Badan Tim Nasional), has addressed the possibility of the duo entering the squad for the upcoming AFF Cup, according to ANTARA News Yogyakarta and VIVA.co.id.
While the naturalization paperwork is moving forward, their actual selection depends on the coaching staff’s tactical needs and the players’ current form. Sumardji indicated that the opportunity exists, but the final decision rests with the technical team managing the national squad.
How does this fit into Indonesia’s naturalization strategy?
The approval of Vickery and Baker is part of a broader push to strengthen the Indonesian frontline. Radar Cirebon reports that these players are among several potential naturalized citizens who could join the team this year to make the attack more “gacor” (a local term for highly productive or lethal).
This approach follows a precedent set by the recruitment of high-profile diaspora players who have helped Indonesia climb the FIFA World Rankings. By targeting players who already possess European training and professional experience, the PSSI aims to bridge the gap between Southeast Asian football and the higher tiers of the AFC (Asian Football Confederation).
What are the next steps for the players?
Following the DPR’s approval, the players must complete the administrative process of becoming Indonesian citizens (WNI). This typically involves a formal oath of citizenship and the issuance of an Indonesian passport.
Once the legal process is finalized, the PSSI must submit the players’ documentation to FIFA to obtain a “change of association” clearance. This is a mandatory requirement for any player who has represented another country at the youth level or wishes to switch sporting nationalities.
The national team continues to monitor the progress of these applications as they prepare for the 2026 AFF Cup and ongoing World Cup qualifying campaigns. Fans and supporters have expressed continued backing for the move via social media and local news outlets like RRI.
The next confirmed checkpoint will be the official announcement from the PSSI regarding the players’ first call-up to a training camp or match squad.
