Thousands of Foreign Nationals Express Interest in Becoming Indonesian Citizens

The Ministry of Law has recorded growing interest among foreign nationals in acquiring Indonesian citizenship status in recent years.

Widodo, Director General of General Legal Administration at the Ministry of Law, stated that the government maintains strict and selective criteria for accepting applications for Indonesian citizenship.

“We are very selective and strict in determining citizenship status because it is not easy to become an Indonesian citizen,” Widodo said during a press conference at the ministry’s office in Jakarta on Thursday, 26 February.

Widodo outlined the requirements that applicants must satisfy to obtain Indonesian citizenship. These include a minimum continuous residence of five years in Indonesia or ten non-consecutive years. Additionally, applicants must receive clearance from various relevant institutions, including their country of origin.

“There is significant interest from hundreds and even thousands, if we total the past five years, wanting to become Indonesian citizens, but not all are currently being processed because there are strict requirements to meet,” he said.

According to Ministry of Law data, in 2020 there were 37 citizenship applications, with 29 approved. In 2021, 61 out of 63 applications were accepted. In 2022, all 63 applications were approved.

“However, what is notable is that from 2024 onwards, out of 165 new applications, only 20 have been accepted. In 2025, out of 147 applications, only two have been fully processed and accepted as Indonesian citizens. This means there are more than 700 applications currently being processed, with applicants completing their documentation for Indonesian citizenship,” he said.