Maarten Paes Official Indonesian Citizen, How is the Goalkeeper Competition in the Indonesian National Team?

Jakarta, Beritasatu.com – Maarten Paes has officially become an Indonesian citizen (WNI) after taking the oath in Jakarta, Tuesday (30/4/2025),

The process of this 25 year old footballer becoming an Indonesian citizen was like a silent operation because it was carried out amidst the euphoria of the U-23 National Team participating in the U-23 Asian Cup in Qatar.

The appearance of the Dutch-born player after taking the oath circulated on social media. During this process, the tall man was seen wearing a red tie, a white shirt and a black jacket and cap.

Not only that, Maarten Paes was seen holding a naturalization document with the Ministry of Law and Human Rights.

Maarten Paes is clearly not a player cans. The player who plays as a goalkeeper is currently defending the club in the elite division of the United States, FC Dallas. Previously, Paes defended his hometown clubs NEC Nijmegen and Utrecht, before leaving for FC Dallas in January 2022.

The purpose of Paes' naturalization is clearly to strengthen the Indonesian national team in competition in world football. His existence now creates competition for the main goalkeeper position in squad Garuda is getting hotter.

Previously, the position as main goalkeeper in the Indonesian National Team was held by Nadeo Argawinata or Ernando Ari. Both replace each other if one of them is injured. When defeating Vietnam, for example, the main goalkeeper position was played by Ernando Ari because Nadeo suddenly suffered an injury.

Ernando is currently listed as the Persebaya goalkeeper who ended the League 1 competition this season in 12th position. Meanwhile, Nadeo is the goalkeeper for Borneo FC Samarinda. This season, the club from East Kalimantan is in first place in the League 1 competition and has the right to enter the Champions Series round to ensure champions.