Cyrus Margono Officially Becomes Indonesian Citizen, Can Play for National Team

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Footballer Cyrus Margono has officially become an Indonesian citizen. He took the oath of citizenship this morning, March 21, at the Jakarta office of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights.

The Iranian-descent goalie arrived with his father Johan Margono shortly after 08:00. They were assisted in the process by Hamdan Hamedan, an expert on the diaspora and youth at the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

Because Cyrus is not considered a naturalized citizen, his citizenship transfer process does not require approval from the House of Representatives (DPR). Instead, the Ministry of Law and Human Rights handles it directly. Cyrus regained his Indonesian citizenship, which he previously renounced, by following the provisions outlined in Government Regulation no.21/2022 on the Procedures for Obtaining, Losing, Cancelling, and Regaining Citizenship of the Republic of Indonesia.

His situation is similar to what was experienced by Elkan Baggott, the national football team's defender with English descent. Elkan chose to become an Indonesian citizen before turning 20 and has held an Indonesian ID or KTP since November 2021.

Cyrus confidently expressed his desire to play for the Indonesian national football team since 2022. He feels a stronger connection to Indonesia despite having Iranian heritage. However, PSSI did not assist him with the process of transferring his citizenship, and he eventually took care of it himself through the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

Cyrus currently plays for Greek club Panathinaikos B. Since joining the club in 2021, he has made 17 appearances in the second division of the Greek league or Super League 2, keeping three clean sheets and 24 goals scored.

Randy Fauzi Febriansyah

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