Taisei Marukawa Targets Indonesian Citizenship Within Two Weeks, Ready to Strengthen Indonesia National Team

Taisei Marukawa, the Dewa United winger, is targeting Indonesian citizenship (WNI) within the next two weeks. The naturalization process for the 29-year-old player is underway, and he hopes everything goes smoothly so he can soon play for the Indonesia national team.

In an interview with Transfermarkt Indonesia, Marukawa confirmed that he is going through the procedure to renounce his Japanese citizenship. "I am in the naturalization process. It may be completed in the next two weeks," he said. The statement also answers growing speculation about the player's future in Indonesian football.

Marukawa's desire to strengthen the Garuda squad is not without reason. Since arriving in Indonesia in 2021, he has spent five years of his career in the domestic competition. With Persebaya Surabaya, he immediately caught attention by winning the Liga 1 2021/2022 best player award after scoring 17 goals and providing 10 assists in 32 appearances. That impressive performance then took him to PSIS Semarang for two seasons before he finally joined Dewa United in 2024.

If the naturalization is completed, Marukawa could add strength to the Indonesia national team's attack. Coach Shin Tae-yong has long been known for calling up naturalized players to strengthen the team. Marukawa's presence, with his vision and dribbling ability on the wing, could be a new option, especially ahead of the 2027 Asian Cup. However, he will still have to compete with other players for a place in the starting eleven.

"If I can help the Indonesia national team, that is an honor for me. I am happy with this," Marukawa said.

From a regulatory standpoint, the naturalization of football players in Indonesia has often drawn both support and opposition. The Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) under the leadership of Erick Thohir continues to push the naturalization program to improve the national team's competitiveness. Several players such as Jordi Amat, Sandy Walsh, and Shayne Pattynama have already completed similar processes. Marukawa will be one of the new naturalized players if all requirements are met.

Nevertheless, Marukawa's naturalization is not without challenges. He must go through a series of stages, including document verification and recommendations from relevant agencies. In addition, consistent performance at club level is an unwritten requirement to be called up to the national team. This season, Marukawa has been recorded as almost always appearing for Dewa United, except when his team lost 0-4 to Arema FC. His contribution of four assists shows that he remains a mainstay in the front line.

Going forward, certainty over Marukawa's status will be in the spotlight. If it is indeed completed within two weeks, the next step is to wait for an official call-up from PSSI. Can he realize his dream of playing for the Merah Putih? Indonesian football fans are certainly looking forward to the actions of a player who has long plied his trade in this country.