Jakarta. Vincent Verhaag, husband of Indonesian actress Jessica Iskandar, officially became an Indonesian citizen (WNI) this year, renouncing his Dutch nationality in the process. Sharing the news on Instagram on Saturday, Verhaag wrote, “This year I officially became an Indonesian citizen, coinciding with the 80th Independence Day.”

Born in Bali on July 29, 1992, Verhaag proudly acknowledged his mother’s Indonesian heritage and expressed gratitude for being part of a nation rich in history and culture.

Verhaag, a model, presenter, and entrepreneur, rose to public attention as a presenter on the adventure program My Trip My Adventure and owns several tourism-related businesses in Bali, including resorts and a diving center.

Verhaag’s naturalization highlights the legal pathway for foreigners to become Indonesian citizens, governed primarily by Law No. 12 of 2006 on Citizenship. This law outlines the process of naturalization, which involves submitting an application, verifying personal data, completing administrative procedures, and taking an oath as a WNI.

Types of Naturalization

There are two main types of naturalization in Indonesia: regular and special.

• Regular naturalization follows standard procedures for foreigners who meet requirements such as age, residency, and language proficiency. This can include naturalization through marriage to an Indonesian citizen. Under Article 19 of Law 12/2006, a foreign spouse of an Indonesian may apply for citizenship.

• Special naturalization is granted by the President, usually with parliamentary approval, to foreigners who have made significant contributions to Indonesia

• Additionally, children with dual citizenship may declare their choice to become Indonesian citizens under Government Regulation No. 21/2022.

Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming an Indonesian Citizen (WNI)

Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility
Check which path applies to you:

• Marriage to an Indonesian citizen: Must be legally married and meet residency requirements.

• Long-term residency/work: Lived in Indonesia at least 5 consecutive years (or 10 years non-consecutive).

• Special contribution: For foreigners who have rendered exceptional service to Indonesia (requires presidential approval).

Step 2: Meet Basic Requirements

• Minimum 18 years old or married

• Physically and mentally healthy

• Able to speak Indonesian and recognize Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution

• No criminal record with sentence ≥ 1 year

• Have stable employment and income

• Willing to renounce previous citizenship

Step 3: Gather Required Documents
Prepare official documents, including:

• Passport and birth certificate

• Marriage certificate (if applying via marriage)

• Proof of Indonesian residence

• Health certificate

• Police clearance (SKCK)

• Proof of employment and income

• Statement of loyalty to Indonesia

• Six passport-size photos (4x6 cm)

Step 4: Submit Application

• Write a formal application in Indonesian, addressed to the President via the Ministry of Law and Human Rights

• Include all required documents and citizenship fee:

  • Rp 50 million (~$3,200) for standard naturalization

  • Rp 15 million (~$950) for marriage-based naturalization

  • Rp 5 million (~$320) for children from mixed marriages or dual citizenship

  • Rp 1 million (~$64) for replacement copies of citizenship decisions

Step 5: Verification & Administrative Review

• Authorities will verify documents, residency, and background

• Interview may be conducted to assess your language skills, knowledge of culture, and loyalty to Indonesia

• This stage usually takes 6–12 months, depending on completeness of documents and local bureaucracy

Step 6: Approval & Presidential Decree

• After verification, a Presidential Decree is issued formally granting citizenship

• The decree is usually published in the State Gazette

Step 7: Oath-Taking Ceremony

• The applicant must take an oath of allegiance to Indonesia

• At this point, you officially become a WNI and receive:

  • Indonesian passport

  • KTP (identity card)

  • Official registration as a citizen

Step 8: Renounce Previous Citizenship

• You are required to renounce any foreign citizenship to comply with Indonesian law

Timeline Estimate:

• Application preparation: 1–3 months

• Government processing & verification: 6–12 months

• Oath and finalization: 1 month

Total time: Approximately 8–16 months