Miliano Jonathans, officially an Indonesian citizen, is ready to play for the Indonesian national team.

JAKARTA, KOMPAS - Football player Miliano Jonathans has officially become a citizen of Indonesia after taking an oath of allegiance to the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia, Pancasila, and the 1945 Constitution at the Ministry of Law, Jakarta, Wednesday (3/9/2025). Miliano's presence is expected to strengthen the national team in facing other national teams and to make the team more competitive.

The oath of Indonesian citizenship was administered by Minister of Law Supratman Andi Agtas. The Chairman of the All-Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) Erick Thohir, the Director General of General Legal Administration of the Ministry of Law Widodo, and other ministry officials were present to witness the ceremony.

"For the sake of God the Almighty, I promise to relinquish all my loyalty to foreign powers, to acknowledge, submit to, and be faithful to the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia, Pancasila, and the 1945 Constitution, and I will sincerely and earnestly fulfill the obligations imposed on me by the state as a citizen with all my heart," said Supratman, as quoted by Miliano during the oath of allegiance to the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.

Naturalization of citizenship is a mechanism by which the state provides an opportunity for foreign nationals to obtain the status of Indonesian citizens. This is regulated in Article 20 of Law Number 12 of 2006 concerning Citizenship, which stipulates that the granting of Indonesian citizenship can be carried out through naturalization for foreigners who have rendered services or for the interests of the state.

After taking the oath, Supratman emphasized that the momentum of naturalization is not limited to granting citizenship.

"The naturalization mechanism is a wise step to advance the achievements of the Indonesian national team. There are several positive aspects that can be taken, one of which is that naturalization can open opportunities for players of Indonesian descent who were born and currently have careers abroad to represent the Indonesian national team," said Supratman.

Specifically for the national football team, there are several major and strategic agendas that will be faced in the future. In the short term, these include the FIFA World Cup 2026, ASEAN 2025, and the AFC Asian Cup, while the long-term goals are to reach the top 100 in the FIFA rankings and the top 10 in Asia according to FIFA.

"In achieving this grand agenda, we need to make this moment a starting point to build a solid and competitive team. With the presence of newly naturalized athletes, we are confident that the national team will be stronger and more competitive," he explained.

Indonesia's vision to become one of the football powers in Asia and even the world, according to him, is not impossible. With hard work, Supratman is optimistic that Indonesia can achieve the desired aspirations.

"I entrust this naturalization, hoping it can fulfill the hopes of all Indonesian people, including the president's hope that our national team can qualify for the 2026 World Cup," he said.

He also expressed his gratitude to PSSI for its efforts to advance football in Indonesia. He also thanked the DPR for providing considerations that allowed the process on that day to proceed smoothly. His side fully supports whatever actions are taken by PSSI to realize their shared dream.

"The dream of the President is to see our national team reach the highest level, especially for the 2026 World Cup. We ask for the blessings and support of all Indonesian people to support our friends at PSSI," he stated.

Erick Thohir stated that the naturalization process would not occur without direct support from the government, particularly from President Prabowo Subianto and the Minister of Law. Erick mentioned that he often consults on how to ensure that this acceleration can proceed smoothly. PSSI also hopes to continue promoting opportunities to realize the shared dream of entering the World Cup.

"Therefore, we are trying to prepare well. Both the readiness of the players and the preparations for the trial that is currently underway today. And, God willing, what has been assigned by the government, we from PSSI will uphold the dignity of the nation. And, earlier, we could witness how Miliano also has a commitment," said Erick.

The Minister of State-Owned Enterprises stated that the granting of Indonesian citizenship to Miliano is the result of extensive discussions with the government. PSSI encourages the Indonesian diaspora abroad to be able to once again raise the Red and White flag.

The naturalization of Miliano, who is of Depok, West Java descent, was carried out in part so that the player could participate in the FIFA Matchday in September 2025, which will be part of the preparations for the fourth round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers in the Asian zone.

The national team will face the Chinese Taipei and Lebanon national teams at the Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium, Surabaya this September.

"This naturalization is part of facilitating Miliano's activation in this trial. We are currently in the process with FIFA and AFC, God willing, there will be no issues, I assure you. So, on September 5, we will assess his physical condition, as (Miliano) has just returned from a long journey. And, of course, we will evaluate this with the coaching staff," he said.

Miliano's arrival, Erick continued, is specifically to strengthen the national team in the striker position, which is much needed at this time.

The presence of Miliano could be a solution as the national team's star striker, Ole Romeny, is still racing against time for injury recovery. Moreover, Romeny is confirmed not to be available until September.

Miliano has regularly filled the main squad of Utrecht during the 2024-2025 season. The player, born in Arnhem, has participated in 15 matches for Utrecht. He has also appeared twice as a starting player for Utrecht in the qualifying round of the 2025-2026 Europa League. Most recently, Miliano played from the 79th minute when Utrecht defeated Excelsior 4-1 in the third match of the Dutch League this season, Sunday (24/8/2025).

Although he has gradually managed to break into the main team of Utrecht, Miliano has yet to make a direct impact on his team's attacking line in terms of goals. The 1.78-meter tall player, who predominantly plays in the right winger position, has still failed to contribute any goals or assists.