Indonesian Dual Citizenship – What You Need to Know and How The Bali Lawyer Can Help
As global mobility increases and more families settle across international borders, the topic of Indonesian dual citizenship has become increasingly relevant. Many individuals of Indonesian descent living abroad, as well as foreign nationals who have children with Indonesian citizens, seek clarity on whether dual nationality is allowed, and under what conditions.
At The Bali Lawyer, we specialize in Indonesian immigration and nationality law. Based in Bali, we provide professional legal assistance to individuals, families, and expatriates seeking to understand or pursue dual citizenship status in Indonesia. This guide outlines everything you need to know about dual citizenship in Indonesia — eligibility, legal framework, application procedures, and how our legal service can support you every step of the way.
What is Dual Citizenship?
Dual citizenship means holding legal nationality from two countries at the same time. A dual citizen enjoys rights and responsibilities from both nations — including the right to reside, work, inherit, and access government services — but also bears obligations such as taxes or legal duties under both legal systems.
In the Indonesian context, dual citizenship is strictly regulated. Unlike some countries that freely allow dual nationality, Indonesia recognizes dual citizenship only in limited situations, particularly for children born of mixed-nationality parents.
Is Dual Citizenship Allowed in Indonesia?
Indonesia does not allow dual citizenship for adults. The nationality law clearly states that Indonesian adults who voluntarily acquire citizenship from another country will lose their Indonesian citizenship.
However, there is a key exception: Indonesian children under 18 years old who have mixed-nationality parents may hold dual citizenship temporarily, and must choose one nationality upon reaching the age of 18.
Who Qualifies for Dual Citizenship in Indonesia?
The main category eligible for Indonesian dual citizenship is children born from mixed marriages, where:
One parent is an Indonesian citizen
The other parent is a foreign national
The child is born outside or inside Indonesia
Under Indonesian Law No. 12 of 2006 on Citizenship, these children are allowed to hold both Indonesian and foreign citizenships until the age of 18, after which they must declare their choice within three years, or risk losing Indonesian citizenship by default.
Other qualifying cases include:
Children adopted by an Indonesian citizen
Children born before the 2006 law change who apply under the grace period
Children of Indonesian parents who acquire foreign nationality involuntarily (e.g., through birth abroad)
Requirements for Children with Dual Citizenship
To secure dual citizenship status for a child, parents must:
Register the child’s birth with Indonesian authorities
Submit required documentation to the Indonesian Immigration Office or Indonesian consulate abroad
Obtain an Affidavit — a document that confirms the child’s dual nationality status and legal residency rights in Indonesia
The affidavit serves as the key legal proof of the child’s dual status and must be renewed periodically until the child turns 18.
What Happens at Age 18?
Once the child reaches the age of 18 (or is married before that), they are legally considered an adult and must choosebetween Indonesian and their second nationality. This process is called Citizenship Declaration (Pernyataan Kewarganegaraan).
The individual must declare their decision to retain or relinquish Indonesian nationality before the age of 21. Failure to declare by this age may result in the automatic loss of Indonesian citizenship.
If the person chooses to remain Indonesian, they must provide:
A written declaration
Proof of residence in Indonesia or strong connection to the country
Evidence of the renunciation of the other nationality (depending on circumstances and country involved)
Risks of Not Following the Law
If parents or guardians fail to register their child’s dual nationality correctly, or if an adult fails to declare citizenship before the age limit, the following may occur:
Loss of Indonesian nationality
Problems in obtaining passports or national ID cards
Difficulty accessing education, legal rights, or government services in Indonesia
Issues with land ownership and inheritance under Indonesian law
To avoid these legal complications, early registration and proper legal guidance are crucial.
Legal Support from The Bali Lawyer
We understand that immigration and citizenship laws can be complex, especially when dealing with dual systems from two different countries. That’s why The Bali Lawyer offers full legal support to help you navigate every step of the dual citizenship process.
Our services include:
Legal consultation for families with mixed-nationality children
Assistance with registering dual citizenship at local or overseas Indonesian consulates
Drafting and submission of affidavit applications
Assistance with extensions, renewals, and affidavits for dual-national children
Legal guidance for Citizenship Declaration at age 18
Legal review of implications for inheritance, land ownership, and education access in Bali
Handling special cases such as reactivation of citizenship or errors in documentation
Why Is the Affidavit Important?
The Affidavit of Dual Citizenship is the most critical document for a child with dual nationality. It is issued by the Indonesian Immigration Office or embassy and must be:
Kept valid with renewal every 5 years
Used when entering and exiting Indonesia using a foreign passport
Presented when accessing schools, applying for a KITAS, or other legal services in Indonesia
Without an affidavit, the child may be treated as a full foreigner and lose access to citizenship rights in Indonesia.
Indonesian Citizenship by Descent (Jus Sanguinis)
Indonesia follows the principle of bloodline, not place of birth. This means that if at least one parent is Indonesian, the child may be eligible for citizenship regardless of where they are born. However, this citizenship must be registered correctly, or it may not be legally recognized.
If your child is born overseas and has an Indonesian parent, we can help you ensure their rights are properly documented and protected under Indonesian law.
Can an Indonesian Reclaim Citizenship After Losing It?
In some cases, former Indonesian citizens who lost their nationality due to acquiring foreign citizenship may apply for citizenship reactivation under specific conditions. This is possible through naturalization or special approval.
Our legal team can assess your eligibility and prepare the required documentation to support your application for reactivating Indonesian nationality.
Important Notes for Families Living Abroad
If your family lives outside Indonesia and one of the parents is an Indonesian citizen, it’s important to:
Register the child’s birth with the nearest Indonesian embassy or consulate
Apply for an affidavit immediately after birth or before entering Indonesia
Track the child’s age to prepare for declaration by age 21
Seek legal guidance to ensure proper compliance with both countries’ nationality laws
Every country has different dual citizenship policies. Some countries, like the United States or Australia, allow dual nationality freely. Others may require the renunciation of one nationality. The Bali Lawyer can guide you based on both Indonesian and foreign nationality rules.
Why Work With The Bali Lawyer?
Trusted law service based in Bali
Experienced in immigration and citizenship law
Fluent English-speaking legal team
Support for families, expats, and binational couples
Accurate and up-to-date legal processing
Personalized solutions for dual citizenship and nationality issues
We are committed to helping you and your family secure your legal status in Indonesia with clarity and confidence.
Start the Process Today
Whether you’re just starting a family or your child is approaching age 18, acting early ensures that your rights — and theirs — are fully protected. Mistakes in citizenship registration can result in long-term issues, but with professional guidance, the process can be smooth and legally compliant.
The Bali Lawyer is here to help you every step of the way.