Foreigners' Complete Guide to Gain Indonesian Citizenship

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - There are several conditions and methods to gain Indonesian citizenship for foreigners. This process involves various stages, from administrative requirements to testing foreigners’ knowledge of Indonesian culture and language. All of these are designed to ensure that foreigners are ready to respect the country’s values and culture before being considered citizens of Indonesia.

How to Gain Citizenship Status in Indonesia?

Naturalization is a process where foreigners can obtain Indonesian citizenship according to Law No. 12 of 2006 concerning citizenship.  

This naturalization process covers various aspects such as length of stay in Indonesia, Indonesian language skills, knowledge of Indonesian culture and values, and other provisions under applicable regulations.

Before applying for naturalization, prospective foreigners must understand the types of naturalization available to adjust to their circumstances. The following are several types of naturalization under Indonesian Citizenship Law:

1. Ordinary Naturalization Based on Article 8, where a foreigner can obtain Indonesian citizenship directly under the provisions contained in Law Number 12 of 2006.
2. Naturalization Through Marriage Based on Article 19, is intended for foreigners legally married Indonesian citizens.
3. Exceptional Merit Naturalization Based on Article 20 is intended for people who have provided services to the country.
4. Naturalization for children with dual citizenship based on Article 3A of Government Regulation Number 21 of 2022 (valid for 2 years from 31 May 2022 to 31 May 2024).

Requirements for Application of Naturalization in Indonesia

1. Make sure you have reached the age of 18 or are married.
2. Residing in Indonesia for a minimum of 5 consecutive years or 10 non-consecutive years before submitting the application.
3. Good physical and mental condition.
4. Proficient in the Indonesian language and recognize Pancasila and the State Constitution.
5. Make sure you have never been sentenced to at least 1 year in prison for a criminal offense.
6. Make sure you don't have dual citizenship after becoming an Indonesian citizen.
7. Have a job or steady income.
8. Prepare the appropriate fare.
9. Submit a written request in the Indonesian language containing private information (name, place of birth, address, nationality)
10. Attach the appropriate documents such as copies of birth certificates, ID Card, applicant's marriage certificates, residence certificates, reference from the immigration office, police records, application regarding loss of citizenship, written statement regarding loyalty to the country, and 6 copies of recent 4 x 6 color photograph.

How to Apply for Naturalization or Transfer of Citizenship in Indonesia

Applying for naturalization in Indonesia involves a series of steps that must be taken, including:

1. Ordinary Naturalization

An application for naturalization can be submitted based on Article 8 of Indonesian Citizenship Law and Article 3A of Government Regulation Number 21 of 2022. Foreigners must submit a letter of application to the President through the Minister of Law and Human Rights. The letter must be submitted to the Head of the Regional Office of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights in the foreigners’ area of residence.

2. Exceptional Merit-based Naturalization 

Exceptional merit-based naturalization concerns foreigners who have made meritorious service including contributions to culture, the environment, humanity, science, sport, or technology, which can or will enhance the nation. Public or private institutions can request citizenship for these foreigners to the Minister of Law and Human Rights with the approval of the President.

3. Naturalization Through Marriage

Naturalization through marriage is regulated in Article 19. Foreigners can submit an application online via the official website https://pewarganegaraan.ahu.go.id/site/registrasi.

Naturalization Application Fee

Applying for naturalization or citizenship in Indonesia involves fees for Non-Tax State Income (PNBP). Here are the cost details:

1, Citizenship or naturalization based on the application of a Foreign Citizen (WNA)

1. Citizenship for children of mixed marriages or children born in the Ius Soli country who do not obtain Indonesian citizenship requires a fee of Rp5,000,000.
2. Citizenship for children with dual citizenship who do not declare of choosing to become Indonesian citizens or do not declare one of their nationalities requires a fee of Rp5,000,000.
3. Citizenship based on an application from a foreigner requires a fee of Rp50,000,000.

2. Citizenship based on marriage requires a fee of Rp15,000,000.
3. Citizenship for foreigners with exceptional merit requires a fee of Rp2,500,000.

Citizenship Status for Children Born in Indonesia

According to Indonesian Citizenship Law, a person's citizenship status is determined based on their parents’.

In other words, a child who was born to Indonesian parents is automatically a citizen of Indonesia. In addition, these rules also apply to children born or found in Indonesian territory even if the child's parents are unknown, stateless, or whose citizenship cannot be ascertained.

GHEA CANTIKA NOORSYARIFA

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