TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The number of dual nationals in Bali opting for Indonesian citizenship in the first half of 2024 almost trebled the annual figure in 2023, according to the province's Law and Human Rights Ministry office.

Office head Pramela Yunidar Pasaribu stated on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, that from January to June 2024 alone, some 199 dual nationals that came of age in Bali decided to be Indonesians.

Meanwhile, in 2023, some 67 had done so, while in 2022, only two had taken that decision, she noted.

Pasaribu affirmed that of the 199 people applying for Indonesian citizenship this year, 181 have undergone their citizenship test, while 18 others are awaiting their turn. The test is organized by the ministry's office in Bali, and the decision will be taken by the central government.

She noted that 17 of them took the latest citizenship test on Friday, June 14, adding that the applicants have dual nationalities from Germany, Ireland, Japan, the Netherlands, and the United States.

Applicants whose citizenship application has been accepted will undergo a citizenship ceremony in which they will pledge their oath to Indonesia.

Seven of the 199 applicants in Bali had taken their citizenship oath and officially became Indonesian nationals in the first half of 2024, Pasaribu added.

During the examination, applicants underwent a test on their knowledge of Indonesia and were required to explain their rationale for becoming an Indonesian national.

"We want to make sure that every applicant has a strong commitment to be part of Indonesia," she remarked.

Pasaribu stated that the surge in the number of applications for Indonesian citizenship in Bali might be due to the May 31, 2024, citizenship application deadline for people born out of mixed marriages between an Indonesian and a foreigner, as stipulated in Government Regulation No. 21 of 2022 on citizenship.

The regulation provides two years for children with dual nationality who have reached 18 years of age to apply for Indonesian citizenship if they have yet to do so before the law is enacted.

ANTARA

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