Editor’s Note:
This article was originally based on a 2004 Jakarta Post report about a proposed revision to Indonesia’s citizenship law. That draft is now outdated. Indonesia’s current citizenship rules are based primarily on Law No. 12 of 2006 on Citizenship of the Republic of Indonesia, with later implementing regulations, including Government Regulation No. 21 of 2022. This article has been rewritten to reflect the current legal framework.
Indonesia’s citizenship law has changed significantly since the older Law No. 62 of 1958. The current law gives clearer recognition to children of mixed-nationality marriages and provides a more modern framework for naturalization.
Foreign nationals may apply for Indonesian citizenship through naturalization if they meet the legal requirements. These include being at least 18 years old or married, having lived in Indonesia for at least five consecutive years or ten non-consecutive years, being physically and mentally healthy, being able to speak Bahasa Indonesia, recognizing Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution, and not having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment of one year or more. Applicants must also have a job or regular income and must generally be willing to release their previous citizenship if Indonesian citizenship is granted.
Indonesia does not generally recognize dual citizenship for adults. However, the law allows limited dual citizenship for certain children, especially children born from mixed-nationality marriages. These children may hold limited dual citizenship while they are minors, but they must later choose one citizenship according to the applicable legal procedures.
Children who may be recognized as Indonesian citizens include children born to two Indonesian parents, children born to an Indonesian parent and a foreign parent, children born in Indonesia whose citizenship status would otherwise be unclear, and certain adopted children, subject to the requirements in the law.
Government Regulation No. 21 of 2022 also updated procedures related to obtaining, losing, cancelling, and regaining Indonesian citizenship. It was particularly relevant for children with limited dual citizenship who had not completed the required registration or selection process within earlier deadlines.
Indonesian citizens may lose their citizenship in certain situations, including voluntarily acquiring another nationality, joining a foreign military without permission, or failing to maintain required citizenship declarations while living abroad, depending on the circumstances set out in law.
Citizenship matters can be complex, especially for mixed-nationality families, adopted children, former Indonesian citizens, and long-term foreign residents. Anyone considering Indonesian citizenship should seek current legal advice or contact the appropriate Indonesian government office before making decisions.
