Senin 09 Sep 2024 09:30 WIB

Maarten Paes is fluent in Indonesian with Books and Interactions

Paes aims to be fluent in Indonesian next month.

Red: Budi Raharjo
Indonesian national team goalkeeper Maarten Paes delivers a press statement during a training session at Madya GBK Stadium, Jakarta, Sunday (8/9/2024). The training session was held in preparation for the third round match of the 2026 World Cup Qualifier Asia Zone against Australia on Tuesday 10 September at Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK). Goalkeeper Maarten Paes joined the training session with the rest of the national squad, while two naturalised players Mees Hilgers and Eliano Reijnders have not joined the training session at Madya Stadium today.
Foto: Republika/Thoudy Badai
Indonesian national team goalkeeper Maarten Paes delivers a press statement during a training session at Madya GBK Stadium, Jakarta, Sunday (8/9/2024). The training session was held in preparation for the third round match of the 2026 World Cup Qualifier Asia Zone against Australia on Tuesday 10 September at Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK). Goalkeeper Maarten Paes joined the training session with the rest of the national squad, while two naturalised players Mees Hilgers and Eliano Reijnders have not joined the training session at Madya Stadium today.

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Indonesian national team goalkeeper Maarten Paes improved his Indonesian speaking skills by studying books and interacting with the squad. “I studied with Sandy Walsh (Indonesia national defender) and a few other players. I also have a book for it,” said Paes, Sunday (8/9/2024).

The goalkeeper for FC Dallas in Major League Soccer (MLS) continues, regularly learning Indonesian to facilitate communication and adaptation to the national team. Paes also aims to be fluent in Indonesian by October 2024.

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“Maybe next month I can be interviewed with Indonesian,” said the 26-year-old footballer.

While related to Sandy Walsh, Maarten Paes called his partner the pitfall of every new player in the team, especially naturalized players who have careers abroad. Just like Paes, Sandy is also a naturalised player who previously held a Dutch passport.