Maarten Paes Reveals Emotional Reason for Choosing Indonesia National Team, Honors Grandmother’s Legacy

AMSTERDAM – Ajax Amsterdam goalkeeper Maarten Paes has revealed the deeply personal and emotional reason behind his decision to represent the Indonesian national team. The choice, he says, wasn’t simply a footballing calculation, but a profound tribute to his late grandmother and her strong historical ties to Indonesia.

Paes’s decision to turn down opportunities with the Netherlands and pledge his allegiance to Indonesia marks a significant new chapter in his career. Through official club channels, the 27-year-old explained how his grandmother instilled in him a connection to Indonesian culture from a young age, ultimately leading to his pursuit of naturalization. The goalkeeper signed a three-and-a-half-year contract with Ajax in January 2026, according to the club’s official website.

The emotional roots of Paes’s connection to Indonesia stem from his grandmother’s harrowing experiences during World War II. Born in Indonesia, she endured immense hardship during the war before eventually emigrating to Europe. “My grandmother was born there,” Paes told Voetbal Primeur on March 7, 2026. “She experienced World War II there. She lost her mother at a exceptionally young age. At that time, men and women were separated, so she lived there without her parents for quite a long time.”

Paes recounted that as his grandmother’s health declined, he felt it was the right moment to respond to inquiries from the Indonesian federation. “After the war, I reckon after five years, they came to the Netherlands by ship,” he continued. “She actually introduced that culture to me from a young age. When she was nearing the complete of her life, I thought it was the right time when they contacted me again. That’s when I finally decided to do it.”

This decision comes after Paes completed his naturalization process, making him eligible to represent Indonesia on the international stage. He has already earned 10 caps for the Indonesian national team as of October 11, 2025, according to his Wikipedia profile. His debut marked a turning point, not just for his career, but for a nation eager to embrace a player with his pedigree.

A Late-Life Lesson in Indonesian Values

Before making his debut, Paes spent quality time with his grandmother, immersing himself in Indonesian identity and values. Together, they studied the nation’s symbols and foundational principles – the Pancasila – in preparation for his role with the Garuda, as the Indonesian national team is known.

The story of Paes’s journey has resonated deeply within Indonesia, a nation with a passionate football fanbase. As Paes himself noted in an interview reported by Kompas.com, Indonesians are “crazy about football.” This enthusiasm, combined with his personal connection to the country, has fueled his commitment to the national team.

Paes’s arrival at Ajax, confirmed in January 2026, has too been met with excitement in Amsterdam. The club, known for its commitment to developing young talent, sees Paes as a valuable addition to their squad. He has made four appearances for Ajax as of March 7, 2026, according to Wikipedia.

The goalkeeper’s path hasn’t been without its challenges. He faced criticism in the Netherlands after choosing to represent Indonesia, but has received support from Dutch footballing figures, as reported by Kompas.com. Paes has remained focused on his commitment to Indonesia, driven by his grandmother’s legacy and a desire to honor her memory.

Paes’s story is more than just a transfer or a national team switch; it’s a testament to the enduring power of family, heritage and the emotional bonds that can shape a person’s life and career. It’s a story that speaks to the global nature of football and the ability of the sport to connect people across cultures and generations.

The decision to represent Indonesia wasn’t simply about football; it was about fulfilling a promise to his grandmother and embracing a part of his identity that had been nurtured from childhood. It’s a story that will undoubtedly inspire fans in Indonesia and beyond for years to come.

Paes and Ajax will return to Eredivisie action on March 14, 2026, against FC Twente. The Indonesian national team is currently preparing for upcoming World Cup qualifying matches, with Paes expected to play a key role in their campaign. Fans can follow updates on the Indonesian Football Federation’s official website and social media channels.