The May 31, 2024 deadline for submitting naturalization applications for children born from mixed marriages has officially passed. However, the response was far lower than expected.
At the Jakarta office of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, many application forms remain incomplete. Despite an estimated 6 million members of the Indonesian diaspora potentially eligible under the government’s program, only 111 individuals applied for naturalization in Jakarta over the last two years.
This raises an important question: Why are so few mixed-marriage children choosing Indonesian citizenship?
Low Naturalization Rates Among Mixed-Marriage Children
Government data indicates that around 5,000 mixed children born before 2006 have yet to determine their citizenship status. Discussions between the Indonesian Citizenship Institute (IKI) and parents from mixed families reveal that many eligible individuals remain undecided.
Several possible factors may explain this:
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Limited awareness of the government’s naturalization program
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Administrative complexities
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Preference to follow one parent’s nationality
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Hope for lifelong dual citizenship
Many of these children continue to enjoy education, healthcare, and public services in their country of residence, even after turning 21. Some are reluctant to renounce one citizenship due to global mobility and professional opportunities.
Indonesia’s Single Citizenship Policy
Indonesia does not recognize dual citizenship for adults under Law No. 12/2006 on Indonesian Citizenship. Once mixed-marriage children reach 18 years old (or at the latest 21), they must choose one citizenship and renounce the other.
The recent naturalization program is based on Government Regulation No. 21/2022, which amended Government Regulation No. 3/2007. Many observers consider this amendment a breakthrough.
Why?
Because it simplifies procedures. Children born in Indonesia who lack immigration documents such as ITAP (Permanent Stay Permit) or ITAS (Limited Stay Permit) can now attach population biodata from the Civil Registration Office to apply for an Indonesian passport.
According to Cahyo Rahadian Muzhar, Director General of Legal and General Administration at the ministry, the reform aims to improve the national climate and attract global talent to contribute to Indonesia’s development.
Dual Citizenship Debate for the Indonesian Diaspora
In early May, Maritime and Investment Affairs Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan hinted at possible reforms to allow dual citizenship for highly skilled diaspora members.
Similarly, Law Minister Yasonna Laoly revealed that the government is preparing a regulation resembling India’s overseas citizenship policy. Under the proposed scheme, diaspora members could receive lifetime visas, work and invest in Indonesia, but would not hold political rights.
This model is inspired by India’s system, which grants special status to overseas citizens while maintaining single citizenship principles.
Importantly, the proposed regulation would not violate Law No. 12/2006 on Indonesian Citizenship, which mandates single citizenship.
President Joko Widodo is expected to review and potentially sign the new regulation before the end of his term.
Historical Context of Indonesian Citizenship Law
Indonesia’s citizenship framework has evolved significantly.
The earliest Citizenship Law of 1946 defined citizens as individuals who had lived in Indonesia for generations or at least five years before independence on Aug. 17, 1945, and did not refuse Indonesian nationality.
Later, Citizenship Law No. 62/1958 was introduced. However, this law was criticized for limiting the rights of Indonesian women who married foreign nationals. Under the 1958 law, wives and children automatically followed the citizenship of the husband or father. Naturalization was costly and time-consuming.
Reforms came with the enactment of Law No. 12/2006 on Indonesian Citizenship and Government Regulation No. 2/2007. Children born before the 2006 law were given a four-year window (Aug. 1, 2006 – Aug. 1, 2010) to choose their citizenship.
The 2022 amendment was seen as another progressive step toward accommodating the realities of globalization and mixed marriages.
Mixed-Marriage Children as Strategic National Assets
Children from mixed marriages often possess:
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Higher education levels
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Global professional experience
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Multicultural adaptability
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Extensive international networks
With cross-cultural backgrounds, they can act as bridges connecting Indonesia to global markets, institutions, and innovation ecosystems.
Their contribution could significantly support Indonesia’s national development strategy.
Why the Government Must Listen
The low number of applications suggests a deeper issue beyond administrative procedures.
If the government does not fully understand the aspirations, concerns, and motivations of mixed-marriage children and diaspora members, Indonesia risks losing valuable human capital.
The naturalization policy may be legally sound and administratively simplified. However, policy success depends not only on regulation—but also on trust, communication, and alignment with the lived realities of global Indonesian families.
Without a more responsive approach, Indonesia may continue to leave millions of potential contributors untapped.
