KBRN, Roma: Three Indonesian national football team players, Joey Mathijs Pelupessy, Dean Ruben James, and Emil Audero Mulyadi, have officially become Indonesian citizens after taking the oath and pledge of citizenship at the Indonesian Embassy in Rome, Italy, on Monday, March 10, 2025.

Chairman of the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI), Erick Thohir, thanked all parties for the fast naturalization process of the three players.

“Alhamdulillah (All Praises to Allah), today, Joey Pelupessy, Dean James, and Emil Audero have taken the oath of citizenship to strengthen the Indonesian national team," Erick stated in a PSSI written statement received by rri.co.id on Tuesday, March 11, 2025.

He also expressed grateful to President Prabowo Subianto, Speaker of the House of Representatives, leaders and lawmakers of the House of Representatives, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Ministry of Law, and all parties.

"Thank you to all parties who have helped and supported the acceleration of the taking of the oath of citizenship of these three players," said Erick, who is also a former president of Inter Milan soccer club.

Erick mentioned that the three players have completed the process of obtaining ID cards and passports. The next step will involve their federation transfer, allowing them to represent the Indonesian national football team.

“The inclusion of Joey, Dean, and Emil will undoubtedly strengthen the national team as they face Australia and Bahrain. Their presence will also provide coach Patrick Kluivert with more options and tactical variety, enhancing the team's depth," Erick added.

Joey Pelupessy currently defends Lommel SK (Belgium), Dean James plays for Go Ahead Eagles (Netherlands), while Emil Audero plays for Italian club Palermo FC.

The Indonesian national team is set to play two more matches in the third round of Group C for the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. They will face Australia on Thursday, March 20, 2025, in Sydney, and Bahrain on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium in Jakarta. ***