Lawmakers Discusses Dutch-Born Ezra Walian's Request for Indonesian Citizenship
Jakarta. Ajax Amsterdam's Dutch-born footballer Ezra Walian's request to obtain an Indonesian passport has been passed to the House of Representatives, its deputy speaker has said.
Ezra's request for Indonesian citizenship was supported by President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo in a recommendation letter signed by Sports Minister Imam Nahrawi.
"This evening, we will discuss the matter, hopefully it will give [a positive] outcome," House Deputy Speaker Fahri Hamzah said on Wednesday (01/02).
The 19-year-old footballer has often publicly supported the Indonesian national team, most recently when Alfred Riedl's squad reached the final of the 2016 AFF Cup in December.
"Great achievement by [Indonesia's] national team to get to the 2016 AFF Cup final. You guys have got my full support," Ezra wrote on his Instagram account.
"I have loved Indonesia since I was a kid. I was barracking for Indonesia in the last AFF Cup and I hope to join the national team someday," he said while he was visiting Jakarta last year.
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