Taisei Marukawa Nears Indonesian Citizenship as John Herdman Opens the Door to a National Team Call-Up

Taisei Marukawa is moving closer to becoming an Indonesian citizen, with only two final stages remaining in his naturalization process. The 29-year-old Dewa United winger has attracted growing attention as his application approaches completion, raising hopes that he could eventually strengthen the Indonesian national team. The latest update was shared by M. Noor Korompot, Special Staff to the Minister of Law, who confirmed through his personal Instagram account that Marukawa’s administrative documents had been processed.

The development has also drawn a positive response from Indonesia head coach John Herdman. As discussions surrounding Marukawa’s potential eligibility continue, Herdman has indicated that the winger is among the players being considered within the national team’s recruitment framework. His comments have fueled speculation about a possible future call-up, particularly as Indonesia continues to explore options for strengthening its squad ahead of major international competitions.

Marukawa pursued Indonesian citizenship through an independent naturalization application after meeting the required five consecutive years of residence in the country under Law No. 12 of 2006. His journey in Indonesian football began with Persebaya Surabaya in 2021, where his performances helped establish his reputation among domestic league supporters. He later joined PSIS Semarang before moving to Dewa United in 2024, continuing his professional career in Indonesia.

If his naturalization process is completed successfully, Marukawa could become another overseas-born player available for consideration by the Indonesian national team. His experience in the domestic league may offer valuable insight into Indonesian football, while his role as a winger could provide additional attacking options. His potential involvement would also come at an important time as Indonesia looks to build a competitive squad for upcoming international tournaments, including the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.

However, obtaining an Indonesian passport would not automatically guarantee Marukawa’s eligibility to represent the national team. He would still need to complete the necessary federation-switch procedures and satisfy FIFA’s eligibility regulations before making his international debut. Until those requirements are fulfilled, his participation remains a possibility rather than a certainty. Nevertheless, the progress of his application and Herdman’s response have placed Marukawa firmly in the spotlight as Indonesian football supporters await the next stage of his journey.