Favorite student makes national team debut, U19 Indonesia coach feels proud

For Coach Nova, Mathew Baker's debut wearing the Indonesian national team colors demonstrates that the development of young talents is unfolding according to expectations.

Coach Nova Arianto admitted he is very proud that his student Mathew Baker got the opportunity to debut for the Indonesian national team.

That special moment occurred when the Indonesian team defeated Oman 3-0 in a FIFA Days match in June 2026 at the main Gelora Bung Karno Stadium (SUGBK), Senayan, Jakarta, last Friday evening, June 5.

For Coach Nova, Baker's debut is evidence that the training of young talents is going as hoped. From the start, one of the main goals of youth player development was to help them reach the national team level.

"Thank God, and I am very happy that once again, our goal for U17 players is to enable them to play for the national team," Nova Arianto shared with Bola.com today (June 6).

"I also want to send a special thanks to Coach John because he certainly gave his trust to Baker for his debut," added the U19 Indonesia head coach.

Nova said he watched the match between Indonesia and Oman.

"Yes, I watched the national team's match last night. I just forgot which minute Baker came on."

In the match against Oman, Mathew Baker started on the bench. The 17-year-old was only given the chance to play after the 80th minute.

Indonesian national team head coach John Herdman brought Baker on to replace captain Rizky Ridho, who had played very solidly in the center of defense.

In this appearance, the player of Indonesian-Australian descent was assigned the role of left center-back in the three-man defensive system used by Indonesia.

Baker partnered with senior players Elkan Baggott and Kevin Diks. Although he only played about 10 minutes, his presence helped Indonesia maintain their advantage until the end of the match.

Not only did he contribute to Indonesia's victory, but the player whose full name is Mathew Ryan Sitorus Baker also set a new historical milestone for the Indonesian national team.

The defender born in Melbourne, Australia, officially became the youngest player ever to debut for the Indonesian national team. When he played his first match for Indonesia, Baker was just 17 years and 23 days old.

The player, currently under contract with Melbourne City, was born on May 13, 2009. This age record allowed Mathew Baker to surpass the previous record held by forward Arkhan Kaka of Persis Solo.

Previously, Kaka was recorded as the youngest player to debut for Indonesia when he played for the national team at 17 years, 3 months, and 7 days old. At that time, Kaka was brought on by Coach Shin Tae Yong in a match against Myanmar at the 2024 AFF Cup.