The four athletes officially became Indonesian citizens after taking an oath of allegiance at a ceremony on Sunday.
Director General of General Legal Administration at the Ministry of Law and Human Rights Widodo said the naturalization is part of the government’s efforts to develop national sports by combining local and international talent.
“This is more than just a change of citizenship. It’s about our hope for Indonesia’s progress in sports and on the international stage,” Widodo said in a written statement.
He explained that the process followed Indonesia’s Citizenship Law (Law No. 12 of 2006), which allows foreign nationals to become citizens if they serve national interests or make valuable contributions to the country.
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“The rules are clear. This isn’t just paperwork—it’s about what’s best for the country,” he said.
The four new citizens will join Indonesia’s national ice hockey team as it prepares for the 2025 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Bangkok, Thailand, and other global events.
Widodo expressed optimism that Indonesia could become a strong contender in Asian ice hockey and stressed the ministry’s continued support for athlete naturalization.
“The Minister of Law has instructed us to fully support and speed up naturalization processes that help improve national sports, following the legal guidelines,” he said.
This move is part of Indonesia’s broader strategy to compete more seriously in international sports by bringing in skilled athletes who can raise the country's performance, especially in sports where it is still growing.
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Translator: Fath, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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