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Mathew Baker Poised to Break Record as Youngest Debutant for Indonesia Senior National Team
Aurora Nightingale | June 1, 2026 6:19 PM CST

Young defender of Indonesian-Australian descent, Mathew Baker, is on the verge of making history with the Indonesia senior national team during the FIFA Matchday in June 2026.

The Melbourne City player could potentially set a new record as the youngest debutant ever to play for the Garuda squad.

Mathew Baker’s name has been included in the final roster of the Indonesia senior national team for the upcoming friendlies against Oman and Mozambique on 5 and 9 June 2026.

If head coach Patrick Kluivert decides to field him, Baker will surpass the debut age records previously held by several young Indonesian players.

Baker’s journey within the Indonesian national setup has been remarkably swift. In less than two years, he has progressed from representing the U-16 team to earning a place in the senior squad.

His first appearance for Indonesia came during the 2024 AFF U-16 Championship. At that time, Baker, then only 15 years old, started in defence for Indonesia U-16 against Singapore at Manahan Stadium, Solo, on 21 June 2024.

His solid performance immediately drew attention. Baker established himself as one of the key players in Indonesia U-17’s successful campaign to qualify for the 2025 U-17 World Cup.

At the club level, Baker’s career has also seen rapid progress. He earned a promotion to Melbourne City’s senior team and made his professional debut on 30 July 2025 in the 2025 Australia Cup against APIA Leichhardt FC.

Despite his promotion, the 17-year-old defender continues to spend most of his playing time with Melbourne City Youth in the National Premier Leagues Victoria.

Baker has also signed a professional contract with the Australian club, marking a significant milestone in his young career.

Now, Baker stands on the brink of creating a new chapter in Indonesian football history with the senior national team.

According to current records, the title of Indonesia’s youngest senior debutant is held by Arkhan Kaka.

The young striker made his senior debut at the age of 17 years, 3 months, and 2 days during the 2024 AFF Cup match against Myanmar.

Before Arkhan Kaka, the record was held by Ronaldo Kwateh, who debuted at 17 years, 3 months, and 8 days when Indonesia faced Timor Leste in the January 2022 FIFA Matchday.

If Mathew Baker makes his debut against Oman on 5 June 2026, he will be 17 years and 23 days old. Meanwhile, if his debut comes against Mozambique on 9 June 2026, he will be 17 years and 28 days old.

These statistics indicate that Mathew Baker is almost certain to break the record for the youngest ever debutant in the Indonesia senior national team.

Here is the list of Indonesia’s youngest senior team debutants:

Arkhan Kaka – 17 years, 3 months, 2 days

Ronaldo Kwateh – 17 years, 3 months, 8 days

Marselino Ferdinan – 17 years, 4 months, 18 days

Asnawi Mangkualam – 17 years, 5 months, 17 days

Egy Maulana Vikri – 17 years, 6 months, 10 days

Boaz Solossa – 18 years, 14 days


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