Australian player speaks out after getting 'green light' for Indonesian naturalization

Two Indonesian football naturalization candidates, Luke Vickery and Mitchell Baker, expressed excitement after receiving approval from Commission X of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), thus widening the door to play for the national team of the archipelago.

After being approved at the Commission X level, both only need to complete the remaining procedures in the citizenship transition process.

For Luke Vickery, this is a milestone of special significance. The 20-year-old striker said the dream of wearing the red-and-white jersey of Indonesia is very close.

"That is definitely my dream. It's like a circle closing for my family because my grandmother was born in Indonesia.

My family will be very proud, and having the opportunity to represent millions of people is extremely special. Wearing that emblem on my chest and representing Indonesia on the international stage is a great honor," he added.

Vickery emphasized that the opportunity to play for Indonesia is not merely about football. This player has a deep connection with his family's homeland, making the naturalization process extremely meaningful.

Vickery has Indonesian blood from his maternal grandmother. She was born in Medan, North Sumatra, and this is the basis for the naturalization process.

Meanwhile, Mitchell Baker also couldn't hide his joy as he gets closer to the opportunity to become an Indonesian citizen and wear the national team jersey.

"I feel very happy. I am proud to have taken another step to become Indonesian and hope to have the opportunity to represent this country. This is truly a proud moment."

Luke Vickery is currently under contract with Macarthur FC, a team playing in the Australian A-League. He was born on October 25, 2005 in Hawaii, USA.

In the 2025/26 season, Vickery impressed with 7 goals and 3 assists in 30 matches, playing a total of 1,650 minutes for Macarthur FC.

Mitchell Baker was born on December 11, 2006 in Melbourne, Australia. Late last year, the 19-year-old player was selected 10th overall by Colorado Rapids in the MLS SuperDraft.

However, Baker has not yet made his debut for the MLS club. He is currently continuing his career development while playing for Georgetown University's team.

The approval of Luke Vickery and Mitchell Baker by the Indonesian Parliament is seen as an important step in PSSI's plan to strengthen its squad, as the Indonesian national team continues to pursue a strategy of adding Indonesian-heritage players playing abroad.