Maarten Paes wants to take the Indonesian national team to the World Cup

Jakarta, Beritasatu.com – Goalkeeper Maarten Paes has officially become an Indonesian citizen (WNI) after taking the oath at the Ministry of Law and Human Rights DKI Jakarta, Tuesday (30/4/2024).

The goalkeeper who plays at FC Dallas targets being able to bring the Indonesian national team to the world cup.

“I am very proud. This is a big (historic) moment for me. A happy moment to share with the Indonesian people, I am very proud and can't wait to start playing (with the Indonesian National Team),” said Maarten Paes, quoted from the official PSSI website, Wednesday (1/5/2024).

“Everything is clear for next June (qualifying for the 2026 World Cup). I think this nation deserves to be in the World Cup, and that is my main target, and to play as much as possible. Apart from that, I hope to have an impact (for the national team) in and off the field I also want to be an example for the younger generation,” he added.

Maarten Paes admitted that football supporters in Indonesia are extraordinary. He considered Indonesian supporters to be the most loyal and passionate people.

“You can see, in the current U-23 Asian Cup, how they provide support to the national team, even outside the stadium,” said Maarten Paes.

Maarten Paes is a goalkeeper born in Nijmegen, Netherlands, on 14 May 1998. Paes has Indonesian blood from his grandmother who was born in Pare, Kediri, East Java on 20 March 1940.

He is a naturalized player recommended by Shin Tae-yong to strengthen the Indonesian national team. The 25-year-old goalkeeper underwent a naturalization process with Thom Haye and Ragnar Oratmangoen in early March 2024.

Maarten Paes is expected to strengthen the Indonesian national team against Iraq (6 June) and the Philippines (11 June) in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in Jakarta.