Taisei Marukawa has submitted his required paperwork to secure Indonesian citizenship and pursue an international career with the national team, five years after arriving in the country’s domestic competition. The 29-year-old Dewa United Banten FC attacking midfielder confirmed that his naturalization documents are currently under administrative review for final approval.
Administrative Review at Dewa United Arena
Speaking at Dewa United Arena in Tangerang, Marukawa addressed his ongoing citizenship application. He acknowledged that while the administrative procedures remain confidential, his paperwork has been officially filed with the relevant authorities as reported by ILeague. I cannot explain the process in detail, but I have submitted the required documents and am currently waiting for approval,
Marukawa stated.
The Hiroshima-born player reaches the five-year residency milestone in Indonesia after successive stints across three clubs. VIVA.co.id reported that Marukawa joins a wider group of foreign players currently navigating the naturalization pathway within domestic football. Local media outlet Antara News Jatim noted that the midfielder has accumulated 161 total appearances across the Indonesian top flight, yielding 36 goals and 44 assists over 12,949 minutes of action.
Deep Affection for Local Culture
Marukawa pointed to his extended tenure in Southeast Asia as the primary driver behind his desire to change federations. Having spent half a decade immersed in Indonesian football culture, the winger expressed profound appreciation for local hospitality. Everyone is very friendly, and spending time in Indonesia makes me feel happy.
Should his naturalization be finalized, Marukawa targets a spot in the senior squad. My biggest dream is to be part of the Indonesian National Team,
he noted. Playing for Indonesia would be a huge honor for me.
Marukawa Played in Europe Before Breaking Through with Persebaya
Before establishing his reputation in Southeast Asia, Marukawa sought professional opportunities in European lower divisions after failing to secure a breakthrough in Japan. His early career took him to Malta, where he played for Senglea Athletic and Valletta, followed by a stint with Noah Jurmala in Latvia during early 2021. Those formative stops preceded his move to Indonesia ahead of the 2021/22 season.
He burst onto the national scene during his debut campaign with Persebaya Surabaya. Marukawa recorded 17 goals and 10 assists in 32 league appearances during the 2021/22 season. That output earned him the official Liga 1 Player of the Season award and triggered a broader recruitment trend among Indonesian clubs seeking Japanese talent, including players such as Renshi Yamaguchi, Sho Yamamoto, and Ryo Matsumura.
Marukawa Moved Through PSIS Semarang and Dewa United
Following his breakout year at Persebaya, Marukawa transferred to PSIS Semarang ahead of the 2022/23 season. His production shifted during his two-year spell in Central Java, where he contributed seven goals and seven assists in 33 matches, followed by four goals and 11 assists across 30 appearances in the subsequent campaign.
In 2024, Marukawa moved to Dewa United. During the 2024/25 league campaign, he logged four goals and eight assists in 34 matches, followed by three goals and four assists in 28 appearances during the 2025/26 season. In the ongoing 2026/27 Super League season, he has contributed one goal and four assists through the opening four weeks of fixtures.
Next Steps in the Naturalization Timeline
Marukawa remains with Dewa United as club competitions continue alongside his pending administrative clearance.
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