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Mathew Baker Takes Just Two Years to Reach Indonesia Senior Team, Poised to Break Youngest Debut Record
Aurora Nightingale | June 1, 2026 12:51 PM CST

Mathew Baker is on the verge of setting a new milestone with the Indonesia senior national football team.

It took Mathew Baker only two years to rise through the ranks, and he now has a chance to become the youngest player ever to debut for Indonesia’s senior team.

On a historic evening of June 21, 2024, at Manahan Stadium in Solo, a 15-year-old defender stood tall at the heart of Indonesia U-16’s backline.

That night marked Mathew Baker’s debut for Indonesia across all youth levels when he played in the 2024 AFF U-16 Championship match against Singapore.

His solid performance clearly made a difference for Nova Arianto’s squad.

He later played a key role in helping the Indonesia U-17 team qualify for the 2025 U-17 World Cup.

That success with the U-17 team became the fast track that accelerated his football journey.

Mathew Baker earned promotion to Melbourne City’s senior squad and made his first-team debut on July 30, 2025, against APIA Leichhardt FC in the 2025 Australia Cup.

However, despite his senior debut, Baker still spends most of his playing time with Melbourne City Youth in the National Premier Leagues Victoria.

In addition, he has already signed a professional contract with Melbourne City.

His rapid career progression has also been reflected in the national team setup.

Mathew Baker has moved from the U-16 level to the senior Indonesia national team in less than two years.

In the latest update, Mathew Baker has officially been included in the final senior Indonesia squad for the June 2026 FIFA Matchday fixtures.

Indonesia are scheduled to play against Oman and Mozambique on June 5 and June 9, 2026.

This announcement means Mathew Baker could potentially break the record for the youngest-ever debutant for the Indonesian national team.

According to current records, Arkhan Kaka holds the distinction as Indonesia’s youngest debutant.

Arkhan Kaka made his debut for the Garuda squad in the 2024 AFF Cup match against Myanmar at the age of 17 years, 3 months, and 2 days.

He broke the previous record held by Ronaldo Kwateh, who debuted at 17 years, 3 months, and 8 days.

If Mathew Baker takes the field against Oman or Mozambique, he will officially surpass that record.

Should he make his debut against Oman on June 5, he will be 17 years and 23 days old.

If his first appearance comes against Mozambique, he will be 17 years and 28 days old.

Youngest Debutants in Indonesia National Team History

1. Arkhan Kaka (17 years, 3 months, 2 days) – Indonesia vs Myanmar, AFF Cup 2024, December 9, 2024

2. Ronaldo Kwateh (17 years, 3 months, 8 days) – Indonesia vs Timor Leste, FIFA Matchday, January 28, 2022

3. Marselino Ferdinan (17 years, 4 months, 18 days) – Indonesia vs Timor Leste, FIFA Matchday, January 28, 2022

4. Asnawi Mangkualam (17 years, 5 months, 17 days) – Indonesia vs Myanmar, FIFA Matchday, March 21, 2017

5. Egy Maulana Vikri (17 years, 6 months, 10 days) – Indonesia vs Iceland, January 14, 2018

6. Boaz Salossa (18 years, 14 days) – Indonesia vs Saudi Arabia, March 30, 2004, in 2006 World Cup Qualifiers


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