Jakarta. The Indonesian government recently held a series of DNA tests for mothers and their undocumented children in the United Arab Emirates.

The program involved 66 mothers and 84 kids.

The DNA testing involved an independent laboratory service provider from Indonesia to ensure an accurate and professional examination.

Working on this program were the Indonesian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, the Consulate-General in Dubai, and the Foreign Ministry's Citizen Protection Directorate. Indonesian Ambassador to UAE Judha Nugraha, Indonesian Consul General  Denny Lesmana, and the Foreign Ministry's citizen protection director Heni Hamidah also led the campaign.

In a press release, the Indonesian embassy said it renewed its commitment to provide comprehensive services and protection for Indonesian citizens abroad, especially vulnerable groups facing challenges related to civil registration.

The program is part of Indonesia’s broader efforts to ensure legal protection, citizenship status, and documentation support to guarantee legal certainty and the civil rights of Indonesian children.

Heni said that citizens abroad should report themselves to enable timely and optimal protection services. She also urged Indonesian citizens to always respect the laws and regulations of the host country, in line with the Indonesian philosophy: “Wherever the earth is stepped on, there the sky is upheld.”

The Indonesian Missions in the UAE also called on citizens to avoid unregistered marriages abroad. Such practices may create legal and administrative consequences, particularly for children born from marriages that are not officially registered.

Indonesia thanks the UAE for its support and authorization, which enabled the successful implementation of this program. As a follow-up, the DNA test results will be coordinated with the Emirati authorities as the basis for the voluntary repatriation of the mothers and children to Indonesia.