Jakarta. Australia-born striker Mitchell Lee Baker has officially become an Indonesian citizen, making the 19-year-old forward eligible to represent Indonesia’s national football team as the country continues to strengthen its squad through the naturalization of diaspora athletes.
Baker took the oath of allegiance at the Directorate General of General Legal Administration (AHU) under the Ministry of Law in South Jakarta on Monday, formally renouncing his Australian citizenship in favor of Indonesian nationality.
The ceremony was attended by Youth and Sports Minister Erick Thohir, who said Baker’s naturalization aligns with the government’s broader strategy to improve Indonesia’s international sporting performance.
Baker, who plays for Georgetown University in the United States, has Indonesian ancestry through his grandfather, who was born in Yogyakarta, and his grandmother, who is from Semarang in Central Java.
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Erick said the naturalization program forms part of Indonesia’s long-term sports development plan, which aims to boost the country’s competitiveness at major international events, including the Southeast Asian Games, Asian Games, Olympics, and eventually the FIFA World Cup.
“In line with the president’s national development plan, we have ambitious targets for the SEA Games, Asian Games, Olympics, and even the World Cup,” Erick said after the ceremony. “Through this collaboration, we will continue to improve Indonesian sports and welcome everyone who can proudly raise the Red and White flag.”
Indonesia has increasingly turned to players with Indonesian heritage living overseas to strengthen its national teams, particularly in football. The policy has helped improve the country’s competitiveness in recent years as it seeks to establish itself among Asia’s leading football nations.
Erick said recruiting diaspora athletes is a common practice among countries with strong sporting traditions but stressed that the policy would not come at the expense of developing domestic youth talent.
“We are open to naturalization because of talents like these, but sports federations must continue investing in grassroots development,” he said.
He pointed to swimmers Masniari Wolf and Felix Viktor Iberle, who both won gold medals for Indonesia after becoming naturalized citizens, as examples of the policy’s success.
Widodo, Director General of General Legal Administration at the ministry, welcomed Baker as Indonesia’s newest citizen and said the government expects naturalized athletes to make meaningful contributions to the country’s sporting ambitions.
“The naturalization of athletes is one of the government’s sports policies,” Widodo said. “Those who become Indonesian citizens are expected to have a positive impact on the nation and contribute to the advancement of Indonesian sports.”
He added that Baker’s arrival provides an additional attacking option as Indonesia prepares for upcoming FIFA competitions.
The government remains optimistic that combining homegrown talent with qualified diaspora players will help Indonesia achieve its long-term ambition of becoming one of Asia’s leading football nations.
“Indonesia’s vision of becoming a football powerhouse in Asia is achievable,” Widodo said. “With hard work and support from all stakeholders, we can realize the success that Indonesians have long awaited.”
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