The Indonesian Ministry of Law has received numerous citizenship applications from foreign nationals and children of mixed marriages seeking to settle and become Indonesian citizens.
The high number of applications, particularly from children of mixed marriages, may also indicate that many prefer becoming Indonesian citizens rather than retaining their foreign citizenship.
“Every year, we receive various citizenship applications from foreign nationals who wish to settle and become part of the Indonesian nation. Acceptance is [nevertheless] carried out with strict consideration, demonstrating that Indonesian citizenship status is something valuable and is not granted automatically,” said the Director General of General Legal Administration, Widodo, recently.
Moreover, the high level of interest among foreign nationals and children of mixed marriages in becoming Indonesian citizens also serves as an indicator of trust in Indonesia. The significant number of children of mixed marriages choosing Indonesian citizenship, in particular, demonstrates their strong attachment to the nation. By way of context, based on Law Number 12 of 2006, children from mixed marriages are entitled to limited dual citizenship until the age of 18. Thereafter, they are required to choose one citizenship no later than the age of 21.
Despite the increasing number of applications, Widodo continued to emphasise that the decision to grant Indonesian citizenship is not one the government takes lightly.
“The government, through the Directorate General of General Legal Administration, will continue to ensure that every naturalisation process is conducted professionally, transparently and accountably, so that the status of Indonesian citizens remains meaningful and highly valued,” continued Widodo.
As quoted from an Instagram post uploaded by the Indonesian Ministry of Law on Thursday, 26th of February, from October 2024 to January 2026, 212 children with dual citizenship have officially obtained Indonesian Citizenship Certificates. This figure, therefore, reflects the commitment of many mixed-marriage families to ensuring their children’s citizenship status is legally recognised and protected by the state.