Mauro Zijlstra’s Naturalization Process Nears Completion, Set to Play in World Cup Qualifiers
Jakarta – Young Dutch footballer Mauro Zijlstra is on the brink of joining Indonesia’s national football team after completing the naturalization process. The final steps of the process are expected to be confirmed today, marking an important milestone for both the player and the national team.
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Completion of Naturalization in DPR Plenary Session
Deputy Chairman of the House of Representatives (DPR) Commission X, Lalu Hadrian Irfani, confirmed that Zijlstra's naturalization will be ratified during a plenary session on Tuesday. “It will be immediately ratified in the plenary session today,” Lalu stated. The naturalization process has been expedited, and lawmakers are working with Youth and Sports Minister Dito Ariotedjo to finalize the details.
Alongside Zijlstra, Commission X is also reviewing the naturalization of several other athletes, including three female footballers, two male footballers, and three ice hockey players. This move comes as Indonesia’s national football team seeks reinforcements for its attacking lineup.
Zijlstra Expected to Strengthen Indonesia's Attack Line for World Cup Qualifiers
Indonesia’s national football team, under the leadership of head coach Patrick Kluivert, has faced challenges in goal productivity, particularly after the injury of Ole Romeny, leaving the team short of striking options. Zijlstra is expected to fill this gap, bringing his attacking prowess to the team as Indonesia gears up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifiers.
In Group B, Indonesia will face Saudi Arabia and Iraq in the fourth round of qualifiers. The matches are scheduled for October 8-14, 2025, with the first match kicking off on October 8, followed by the second match on October 11, and the final group matches on October 14.
20-Year-Old Striker with Indonesian Heritage
The 20-year-old Mauro Zijlstra, who currently plays for Dutch club FC Volendam, is expected to become a key player in Indonesia’s attacking line as the team prepares for future tournaments. Born on November 9, 2004, in the Netherlands, Zijlstra made his first-team debut on December 19, 2024, in a KNVB Beker match against Rijnsburgse Boys. He followed this up with his league debut against FC Eindhoven a month later. Zijlstra’s club achievements include helping Volendam secure the Eerste Divisie title in the 2024/2025 season.
Although Zijlstra was born in the Netherlands, he is eligible to represent Indonesia due to his grandmother’s Indonesian roots from Bandung. His longstanding desire to play for Indonesia is now being realized through the naturalization process.
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PSSI Proposes Naturalization for Additional Female Footballers
In addition to Zijlstra, the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) has also proposed the naturalization of three female footballers — Isabel Kopp, Isabelle Nottet, and Pauline van de Pol — to strengthen Indonesia’s women’s national team ahead of upcoming international fixtures.
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