Children born of mixed marriages in Bali are facing a crucial decision as they are urged to select their citizenship status before the 31st of May 2024. This call comes in response to the implementation of Government Regulation Number 21 of 2022, which pertains to amendments in the procedures for obtaining, canceling, and regaining citizenship of the Republic of Indonesia.

In accordance with this Government Regulation, individuals of dual nationality with one Indonesian and one foreign parent, who currently hold a limited dual citizenship status and are aged 21, are now required to make a definitive choice regarding their citizenship.

Anggiat Napitupulu, the Head of the Bali Regional Office of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, explained that failing to make this choice by the deadline will result in the individual being regarded as a pure foreigner, nullifying their limited dual citizenship status.

Bali, renowned for its prevalence of mixed marriages, witnesses many children between the ages of 18 and 21 who have yet to finalize their citizenship choice. Napitupulu emphasized that citizenship selection is imperative to prevent potential administrative and status-related issues, particularly for those who have grown up and studied in Bali but have not formally chosen their citizenship.

Records indicate that 80 children of mixed marriages have successfully navigated the process to become pure Indonesian citizens. The finalization of this submission process will culminate in a Presidential Decree.

Requirements for Indonesian Citizenship Application

Outlined within Government Regulation Number 21 of 2022 are the prerequisites for obtaining pure Indonesian citizenship for children of mixed marriages. This entails several conditions, including the submission of a photocopy of the birth certificate or an official letter confirming the applicant's birth, duly authenticated by an authorized official.

Additionally, an excerpt from the marriage certificate or marriage book, or relevant documents such as divorce certificates or death certificates of spouses, must be submitted and validated by an authorized official.

Furthermore, an excerpt from one of the parent's marriage certificates or marriage book, or relevant documents such as divorce certificates or death certificates of parents, must also be presented and authenticated by an authorized official.

Other prerequisites encompass an immigration certificate provided by the immigration office in the applicant's residential jurisdiction, certifying residency within the Republic of Indonesia for a minimum of five consecutive years or ten non-consecutive years.

Applicants must also provide a health certificate from a hospital, a statement attesting their proficiency in the Indonesian language, an affirmation of their adherence to the state ideology of Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia, a police records certificate, and other stipulated requirements specified in the Government Regulation.

As the deadline approaches, mixed marriage children in Bali face a pivotal choice in determining their citizenship status and affiliation with Indonesia.