Indonesia has caught the attention of some foreign tourists who aspire to become Indonesian citizens (WNI). In a recent development, three foreign nationals (WNA) in Bali have reportedly filed applications to obtain Indonesian citizenship. The process of transitioning their nationality commenced on Monday (12/6).
According to Anggiat Napitupulu, the Head of the Regional Office of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights in Bali, the change of citizenship is governed by the provisions of Law No.12 of 2006 regarding the Citizenship of the Republic of Indonesia. Additionally, it is guided by Article 8 and Article 3A of Government Regulation No. 21 of 2002, which entails amendments to Government Regulation No. 2 of 2007.
Among the individuals seeking Indonesian citizenship are Salvita Salim De Corte from Germany, Oyagi Ryusuke from Japan, and Kody Satria from France.
Salvita Salim De Corte, a German citizen, had the honor of being the first to undergo the citizenship proceedings. As an artist, Salvita revealed her Indonesian heritage, inherited from her father. She expressed her deep affection for Indonesia and her unwavering commitment to contributing to the nation’s cultural landscape.
“I was born and raised in Indonesia, surrounded by friends in Bali. My entire family resides here, and my aspirations to create art are deeply rooted in this country,” Salvita Salim De Corte shared.
Oyagi Ryusuke, a Japanese citizen, also took a significant step towards Indonesian citizenship. Having never resided outside of Japan, Oyagi’s connection to Indonesia stems from his father’s origins in the Land of the Rising Sun. His passion for Indonesia manifests through his desire to dedicate himself to the medical profession and serve the community.
Oyagi expressed his commitment, saying, “I aim to use my skills and expertise in the medical field to contribute to the Indonesian society.”
Completing the trio is Kody Satria Lapergue, a French citizen and a current student at a renowned design institution in Bali. Born and raised in Bali, Kody Satria shared his aspiration to become an Indonesian citizen. He sees this decision as a natural progression of his strong connection to the island and its people.
The verification process was carried out by a team led by Anggiat Napitupulu, alongside Barron Ichsan from the Immigration Division and Alexander Palti from the Legal and Human Rights Services Division.
The team raised inquiries regarding citizenship, taxation, and any potential criminal records. The three candidates showcased a solid understanding of Indonesian citizenship, impressing the team with their fluency in singing the national anthem, “Indonesia Raya,” and reciting the nation’s founding principles encapsulated in the Pancasila.
Anggiat Napitupulu assured that the initial assessment of the foreign applicants was positive. However, further verification of document authenticity and completeness is required before their applications are forwarded to the central office for final processing. This meticulous process ensures that the acquisition of Indonesian citizenship follows the established legal framework.
The interest shown by these foreign nationals in becoming Indonesian citizens highlights the appeal and allure of Indonesia as a diverse and culturally rich nation. Their desire to contribute to society and participate in the nation’s progress reflects the mutual appreciation and admiration between Indonesia and its international residents.
 in Bali have reportedly filed applications to obtain Indonesian citizenship.){kind=link}