New Clarity for Indonesian Citizens Abroad: Understanding Ministry of Law Regulation 6/2025
The Certificate of Indonesian Citizenship (Surat Keterangan Status Kewarganegaraan Republik Indonesia or "SKSK RI") is crucial for Indonesians living abroad. It serves as official proof of nationality, ensuring individuals can exercise their rights and access legal protections while residing abroad. This certificate strengthens an individual's legal status in areas like immigration, consular services, civil registration, and other nationality-related affairs. Importantly, it also simplifies obtaining official documents such as passports and identity cards. Furthermore, it facilitates birth and marriage registrations at Indonesian consulates and safeguards rights related to inheritance and property ownership under Indonesian law—rights that may be restricted for foreign nationals. Finally, it helps prevent issues related to statelessness or disputes over nationality.
To streamline this process, on 21 February 2025, the Indonesian Ministry of Law introduced a new procedure for Indonesian citizens residing abroad to confirm their citizenship status. This is outlined in Ministry of Law Regulation No. 6 of 2025 ("Regulation 6/2025") on Procedures for Confirming Indonesian Citizenship for Indonesian Citizens Residing Outside the Territory of the Republic of Indonesia.
Regulation 6/2025 aims to provide legal certainty for Indonesian citizens residing abroad who lack or have incomplete citizenship documents. It also simplifies administrative procedures by allowing them to confirm their status through Indonesian embassies, consulates, and trade offices—a significant benefit for those with missing or incomplete paperwork.
Key Highlights
Eligible Applicants
Indonesian citizenship confirmation is granted upon submission of a written application in Bahasa Indonesia. The application can be submitted by the applicant, their legal representative, or a guardian to the Minister through Indonesian diplomatic and consular representatives or the Indonesian Trade and Economic Office (Kantor Dagang dan Ekonomi Indonesia or "KDEI") overseeing the applicant’s place of residence.
Those eligible to apply include:
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Indonesian citizens;
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Children born within a legal marriage to Indonesian parents;
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Children born outside a legal marriage to an Indonesian father or mother;
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Indonesian citizens without valid identity documents, such as a National Identity Card (Kartu Tanda Penduduk or KTP), passport, or temporary travel document; and
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Descendants of Indonesian citizens who are at least 18 years old and have never held foreign citizenship,
All of whom reside outside the territory of the Republic of Indonesia.
The Application Process: A Comparison
Regulation 6/2025 outlines different procedures for Indonesian citizens applying for nationality confirmation, depending on whether they possess official documents. The following table highlights the key differences:
| Aspect | Indonesian Citizen with Official Documents | Indonesian Citizen Without Official Documents |
| Required Documents | Valid identity documents, such as a National Identity Card (KTP), birth certificate, parents' wedding certificate, passport, or equivalent travel document. |
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| Application Submission | A written application in Bahasa Indonesia must be submitted to the Minister via the relevant KDEI. | The application must be submitted to the relevant Indonesian Representative Office or KDEI in the applicant’s country of residence. |
| Document Verification and Interview | The Indonesian Representative Office or KDEI will verify the authenticity of the submitted documents within a maximum of five business days. The Indonesian Representative Office or KDEI will also interview the applicant. | The Indonesian Representative Office or KDEI will interview the applicant to assess their origin and background, with the results recorded in an official interview report. |
| Procedure if Documents are Invalid | The application will be rejected, and the applicant will receive a written explanation within five business days. | Not applicable, as the applicant does not possess standard identity documents. |
| Submission to the Directorate General | If the submitted documents are deemed complete and valid, the Indonesian Representative Office or KDEI will submit the application through the official portal of the Directorate General of Legal Administration ("Directorate General"). | If the interview results and supporting evidence are deemed sufficient, the application will be submitted to the Directorate General. |
| Ministerial Decision | The Minister, through the Director General, will review the application and issue a decision within five business days. | The Minister, through the Director General, will review the application based on the interview findings and supporting evidence. |
| Issuance of the Certificate of Indonesian Citizenship | If approved, the Certificate of Indonesian Citizenship will be issued and made available for download by the Indonesian Representative Office or KDEI within five business days. | If approved, the Certificate of Indonesian Citizenship will be issued and made available for download by the Indonesian Representative Office or KDEI within five business days. |
| Reporting in Indonesia | The applicant must report to the local district or municipal government within 14 business days upon arrival in Indonesia. | The applicant must report to the local district or municipal government within 14 business days upon arrival in Indonesia. |
The key differences lie in the document requirements and identity verification process. Applicants without official documents must provide a statement of absolute responsibility and other supporting evidence, while those with documents undergo a more formal administrative verification process.
Key Takeaways
Regulation 6/2025 marks a significant step towards simplifying and clarifying the process of confirming Indonesian citizenship for those residing abroad. By providing clear procedures and outlining eligible applicants, this regulation offers legal certainty and streamlines administrative processes.
Key takeaways include:
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Simplified Procedures: The regulation introduces clearer and more efficient procedures for confirming Indonesian citizenship.
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Accessibility: Indonesian citizens can now confirm their citizenship through Indonesian embassies, consulates, and trade offices, making the process more accessible.
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Legal Certainty: The regulation provides legal certainty for individuals with incomplete or missing citizenship documents.
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Document Requirements: The regulation specifies the required documents, which vary depending on whether the applicant possesses official documents.
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Timeframes: The regulation establishes clear timeframes for each step of the application process, including the maximum period for completion. This allows applicants to estimate when they can obtain the Certificate of Indonesian Citizenship.
Regulation 6/2025 is designed to ensure that Indonesian citizens living abroad can maintain their legal status and access their rights with greater ease. We recommend that all Indonesian citizens abroad familiarise themselves with the details of this regulation. By doing so, they can ensure that they are able to properly confirm their citizenship and maintain all the rights associated with it.
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Contribution Note
This Legal Update is contributed by the Contact Partners listed above, with the assistance of Valerie Irene Patricia Lumanauw (Associate, Assegaf Hamzah & Partners).