TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – United States-born footballer Luke Anthony Vickery, who has spent much of his career in Australia, has received a message of support from President Prabowo Subianto after officially becoming an Indonesian citizen in Sydney, Australia, on Thursday.
Indonesian Law Minister Supratman Andi Agtas expressed hope that Vickery would help strengthen the national team and contribute to Indonesia’s ambition of qualifying for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
“I hope Luke can fight alongside other national team players and work together to realize President Prabowo Subianto’s and the Indonesian people’s dream of appearing at the 2030 World Cup,” Supratman said in a statement following Vickery’s citizenship oath ceremony.
Luke Vickery Completes Indonesian Naturalization Process
Vickery officially became an Indonesian citizen after completing a series of administrative and legal procedures.
The 19-year-old footballer was proposed for naturalization by the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) through the Ministry of Youth and Sports in early 2026.
Following an administrative review and assessment by the inter-ministerial Citizenship Grant Research and Evaluation Team (TP3K), Vickery was considered eligible to receive Indonesian citizenship.
The House of Representatives (DPR) approved his naturalization recommendation on June 17, 2026, before the proposal was submitted to the president for final approval.
The oath-taking ceremony was attended by Indonesian Law Ministry Secretary-General Nico Afinta, Indonesian Deputy Ambassador to Australia Lintang Paramitasari Parnohadiningrat, and Indonesian Consul General in Sydney Pendekar Muda Leonard Sondakh.
After taking the oath, Vickery expressed his commitment to representing Indonesia and contributing to the national team.
“Together with the team, I am ready to help Indonesia qualify for the 2030 World Cup,” Vickery said.
Vickery’s Background and Football Career
Vickery was born in Kailua, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States, and has Indonesian ancestry through his maternal family.
His grandmother was born in Medan, North Sumatra, on December 3, 1937, giving him a connection to Indonesia that supported his naturalization process.
As a professional footballer, Vickery currently plays for Australian club Macarthur FC, which competes in Australia’s A-League.
Before joining Macarthur, he played for another A-League club, Western United.
His naturalization is part of Indonesia’s broader efforts to strengthen the national team by bringing in eligible players with Indonesian heritage.
With his Indonesian citizenship secured, Vickery is now expected to compete for a place in the Garuda squad as Indonesia continues its push to establish itself on the international football stage.
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