Indonesia, with its rich cultural and natural wealth, has become a magnet for many individuals dreaming of being part of this country. For those eager to pursue Indonesian citizenship, this process is not just a legal journey, but also an exciting and meaningful adventure. Let’s explore together the steps to be taken, the challenges to be faced, and the dreams to be realized in the quest to become Indonesian citizens.
Citizenship refers to individuals of a country based on descent, place of birth, and so on, who have full rights and obligations as citizens of that country. This can include both local citizens and foreign nationals. Generally, there are principles of citizenship used to determine someone’s citizenship. According to Article 2 of Law No. 12 of 2016, Indonesian citizens (WNI) are native Indonesians and other ethnic groups recognized by law as citizens.
This means that foreign nationals can become Indonesian citizens if sanctioned by law. However, there are several requirements that must be met to become WNI. A deep understanding of these requirements will help prospective citizens prepare well before starting the application process.
Naturalization to Indonesian Citizenship
Naturalization is the procedure for foreigners (WNA) to obtain citizenship through application. This process must first meet certain requirements stipulated in the nationality regulations of the respective country. In Indonesia, nationality matters are regulated by Law No. 12 of 2006 concerning Indonesian Citizenship.
So, What Are the Types of Naturalization in Indonesia? Naturalization in accordance with the provisions of Law Number 12 of 2006 concerning Indonesian Citizenship can be done through several ways:
- Pure Naturalization based on Article 8 of Law Number 12 of 2006
- Naturalization through Marriage based on Article 19 of Law Number 12 of 2006
- Naturalization for Persons Who Have Served the Country or for Reasons of State Interest based on Article 20 of Law Number 12 of 2006
- Naturalization for Dual Citizen Children Who Have Not Registered or Children Who Have Registered But Have Not Chosen Indonesian Citizenship based on Article 3A of Government Regulation Number 21 of 2022 (only valid for 2 years from May 31, 2022, to May 31, 2024)
Procedure and Requirements for Applying for Indonesian Citizenship
as quoted from the website of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights of the Republic of Indonesia are as follows:
- Naturalization applications based on Article 8 of Law Number 12 of 2006 concerning Indonesian Citizenship and Article 3A of Government Regulation Number 21 of 2022 state that naturalization applications are submitted by foreigners (WNA) through a Request Letter addressed to the President through the Minister of Law and Human Rights and delivered to the Official, which in this case is the Head of the Regional Office of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights according to the applicant’s place of residence.
- Meanwhile, for naturalization for foreigners who have served or for reasons of national interest, it can be proposed by the leaders of state institutions, government agencies, or community institutions to the President through the Minister of Law and Human Rights.
Next, here are the requirements that must be fulfilled:
- Aged 18 (eighteen) years or already married;
- At the time of application, have resided in the territory of the Republic of Indonesia for a minimum of 5 (five) consecutive years or a minimum of 10 (ten) non-consecutive years;
- Physically and mentally healthy;
- Able to speak Indonesian and acknowledge the Pancasila State ideology and the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia;
- Never been sentenced to imprisonment for a criminal offense punishable by imprisonment for 1 (one) year or more;
- By obtaining Indonesian Citizenship, will not become a dual citizen;
- Have a job and/or a fixed income; and
- Pay citizenship fees to the State Treasury.
- Submit a written application in Indonesian on stamped paper to the Head of the Regional Office of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights or the Representative of the Republic of Indonesia abroad, containing at least:
- Full name;
- Place and date of birth;
- Residential address;
- Applicant’s nationality;
- Full name of husband or wife;
- Place and date of birth of husband or wife; and
- Nationality of husband or wife.
10. The application must be accompanied by:
- Photocopy of the applicant’s birth certificate certified by an authorized official;
- Photocopy of the Identity Card or residence certificate of the applicant certified by an authorized official;
- Photocopy of the birth certificate and Identity Card of the Indonesian citizen husband or wife of the applicant certified by an authorized official;
- Photocopy of the marriage certificate/marriage book of the applicant and husband or wife certified by an authorized official;
- Certificate from the immigration office of the applicant’s residence stating that the applicant has resided in Indonesia for a minimum of 5 (five) consecutive years or a minimum of 10 (ten) non-consecutive years;
- Police record certificate from the police at the applicant’s place of residence;
- Certificate from the applicant’s country representative explaining that after obtaining Indonesian Citizenship, the applicant will lose citizenship of the respective country;
- Written statement that the applicant will pledge allegiance to the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia, Pancasila, the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia, and will defend them earnestly and fulfill the obligations imposed by the state as an Indonesian citizen sincerely and wholeheartedly; and
- Six recent color passport photos size 4 x 6.
So, how much does naturalization to become an Indonesian citizen cost? Based on the website of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights of the Republic of Indonesia, the naturalization fee for applications from Foreign Citizens (WNA) is Rp 50,000,000.
Meanwhile, the naturalization fee based on mixed marriages is Rp 15,000,000 per application. Then, naturalization for WNA who have served the country or for reasons of national interest costs Rp 2,500,000. And for children who have not obtained citizenship, a fee of Rp 5,000,000 is charged.
Becoming an Indonesian citizen is a dream for many people, and the process may require significant time and effort. However, by understanding the necessary steps and preparing well, the dream of being part of Indonesia can become a reality. By gaining in-depth knowledge of the requirements, procedures, and stages to be passed, prospective citizens can open the door to a brighter future in this beautiful homeland.
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