Understanding Migration and Its Drivers

Migration involves moving from one's place of origin to another location to live or seek new experiences. Various factors drive migration, including cultural traditions, economic opportunities, educational pursuits, and personal relationships.

Citizenship Laws in Indonesia

Indonesian citizenship is governed by Law No. 12 of 2006. Key points about who qualifies as an Indonesian citizen include:

1. Individuals who were already Indonesian citizens before the law's enactment.

2. Children born to Indonesian parents within a legal marriage.

3. Children born to an Indonesian parent and a foreign parent within a legal marriage.

4. Children from an Indonesian parent and a stateless or non-national father.

5. Children born within 300 days of their Indonesian father's death.

6. Children born outside legal marriages to Indonesian citizens.

7. Children recognized by an Indonesian father before turning 18 or marrying.

8. Children born in Indonesia to unknown or stateless parents.

9. Foundlings discovered in Indonesia with unknown parents.

10. Children born abroad to Indonesian parents where the birth country grants citizenship.

11. Children of applicants for Indonesian citizenship who die before taking the oath.

12. Children legally recognized by an Indonesian father, if under 18 and unmarried.

13. Foreign children under five legally adopted by Indonesians.

14. Children residing in Indonesia whose parents have acquired Indonesian citizenship.

15. Foreign children under five legally adopted by Indonesian citizens.

Principles of Indonesian Citizenship

Indonesia primarily follows the principle of **ius sanguinis** (citizenship by descent), supplemented by limited **ius soli** (citizenship by birth within the country) and a restrictive approach to dual citizenship. The law aims to avoid dual nationality (bipatride) and statelessness (apatride).

Stay Permits for Ex-Indonesian Citizens and Dual Nationals

Ex-Indonesian citizens and their families can reside in Indonesia under certain conditions. According to Article 54 of Law No. 6 of 2011 on Immigration, and related regulations:

- Ex-Indonesian citizens can apply for a Limited Stay Visa (C 318) for repatriation or to regain Indonesian citizenship.

- Spouses and underage children of ex-Indonesian citizens are eligible for stay permits under specific conditions.

Applying for a Stay Permit

Ex-Indonesian citizens and dual nationals can apply for various stay permits:

1. Limited Stay Permit (Kitas):

This permit is the first step towards a permanent stay. Required documents include a birth certificate, identity card, Indonesian passport, proof of renounced citizenship, and educational certificates.

2. Permanent Stay Permit (Kitap):

Ex-Indonesian citizens can apply for a Kitap after holding a Kitas. However, they may directly apply for a Kitap if eligible.

Recent Regulation Updates

The Indonesian government has extended the validity of Multiple Visit Visas from 12 months to five years, responding to the needs of the Indonesian diaspora. Single-entry visit visas now allow extensions up to four times, each for 30 days, while multiple-visit visas offer two extensions of up to 60 days each.

Requirements for Ex-Indonesian Citizens and Dual Nationals

For ex-Indonesian citizens, applications require documentation from Indonesian government agencies or recognized institutions proving former citizenship status. For dual nationals, applications submitted by Indonesian parents or guardians must include a translated birth certificate and marriage certificate, along with proof of immigration facilities.

Transition from Kitas to Kitap

Ex-Indonesian citizens can transition from a Limited Stay Permit (Kitas) to a Permanent Stay Permit (Kitap) under Article 54 of Law No. 6 of 2011. This process is detailed in Government Regulation No. 31 of 2013, allowing direct application for a Kitap without multiple Kitas extensions, but starting with an initial Kitas.

By understanding these regulations and requirements, ex-Indonesian citizens and dual nationals can navigate their residency options in Indonesia more effectively.