RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Young winger Luke Anthony Vickery has described his ongoing naturalization process as a deeply personal journey, calling the opportunity to become an Indonesian citizen and play for the national team a lifelong dream.

Speaking virtually during a working meeting between the House of Representatives Commission X and Youth and Sports Minister Erick Thohir on Monday, June 15, 2026, Luke said the moment carries special meaning for his family.

“Of course, this has been my dream for a long time. It is an emotional and meaningful moment for my family because my grandmother was born there (in Indonesia),” he said as quoted by Antara.

Vickery, together with fellow prospect Mitchell Lee Baker, is currently undergoing a naturalization process as part of Indonesia’s efforts to strengthen its national football squad. The Ministry of Youth and Sports has submitted their applications, which have already received approval from Commission X for further processing.

Vickery expressed pride in the process and hopes to complete all stages smoothly so he can soon wear the Garuda emblem. “Being able to represent millions of people there with the Indonesian national team is clearly a very special moment,” he added.

For him, he said, donning the Garuda crest is more than just a career milestone; it is a profound honor tied to his heritage. The 20-year-old plays for Macarthur FC in Australia’s top-tier A-League and traces his Indonesian roots through his mother, Cherie Claudine Vickery, with his grandmother Hetty Nanda born in Medan, North Sumatra.

Minister Erick Thohir highlighted Vickery's decision as a valuable addition to the national team, particularly in boosting attacking productivity, praising his offensive qualities, noting his ability to overlap and underlap effectively. He noted that compared to other players in similar positions, Vickery offers greater threat potential through his goal-scoring and chance-creating abilities.

Despite primarily operating as a winger, Vickery's technical skills and athletic foundation make him versatile enough to adapt to different tactical roles. His performances with Macarthur FC this season have been instrumental in keeping the club competitive at the top end of the A-League, nearly securing a place in the final series.

Vickery’s naturalization journey reflects Indonesia’s broader strategy of integrating talented players with strong local ties, while also showcasing the emotional significance of representing a nation that is part of his family’s legacy. ***