Free naturalization for Chinese

Free naturalization for Chinese

SEMARANG, Central Java: The authorities are offering a free
naturalization service for some 12,000 "stateless" people of
Chinese descent here.

Antara quoted Kristanto, an officer in charge of the
application for naturalization, as saying that a "one-stop
service" has been set up in every regent office. The service is
conducted in line with a recently-issued Presidential Decree on
naturalization.

Kristanto also said that 5,000 Chinese in the province have
applied for naturalization. He expected the rest of the stateless
people to apply soon.

"There's no coercion used in the process here," Kristanto
said.

People of Chinese descent used to have to pay between Rp
350,000 (approximately US$ 153) and Rp 1 million for the
naturalization procedure. (swe)