Understanding, Requirements, Rights, and Obligations as Indonesian Citizens
As a person born in Indonesia and having ancestors who are native Indonesians, you automatically become a citizen of Indonesia. However, there are people who were not born in Indonesia but can also become Indonesian citizens. It could be that their parents gave birth while working abroad. Their children are still counted as Indonesian citizens.
In fact, some may have dual citizenship when the child is not yet considered an adult. This is because some countries have their own definitions of who is considered their citizen. So, what about the rules in Indonesia?
Who is Considered an Indonesian Citizen
An Indonesian citizen is a person who has been recognized by law (UU) as a citizen of the Republic of Indonesia. From this definition, it can actually be understood that people originally from outside Indonesia can also become Indonesian citizens, as long as they are recognized by the law. Of course, that person must meet several requirements.
As a form of recognition as an Indonesian citizen, you can have an Identity Card (KTP) based on the area where you live and register. If you are still underage, you usually still receive a Population Identification Number (NIK) which is usually listed on the Family Card (KK). In addition, as a parameter for you to be considered an Indonesian citizen, the passport issued for you must state that it is from Indonesia.
With the understanding and signs mentioned earlier, you can classify whether you are an Indonesian citizen (WNI) or not. It's very easy, right?
Requirements to Become an Indonesian Citizen
For those of you who have become WNI, you do not need many requirements. However, for some types of people, there are requirements to become Indonesian citizens. These requirements are stated in Article 9 of Law 12/2006 for those who lose their citizenship and for other foreign nationals who wish to become WNI. What are the requirements?
- At least 18 years old or married even if under 18.
- At the time of application, have lived in Indonesia for 5 consecutive years or 10 non-consecutive years.
- Physically and mentally healthy.
- Can speak Indonesian and acknowledge the state ideology Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution.
- Have never been sentenced to criminal punishment/jail for proven committing a crime that is punishable by imprisonment of 1 year or more.
- Obtaining Indonesian citizenship does not cause their status to become dual citizenship, as this is not recognized in the legal system in Indonesia. In other words, the citizenship status of another country must be relinquished.
- Have a job or a steady income.
- Pay the citizenship fee to the State Treasury. For more information regarding the amount of this fee, please contact the nearest Indonesian Immigration Office.
From the requirements above, they are quite strict, right? However, in other countries, the requirements are even stricter. Some require a minimum amount of money and savings of several tens of millions. This is because a country certainly does not want to bear the burden of problematic people (those without income) who will eventually become a burden to that country. Some countries have rules to cover the living expenses of people who do not work in their country.
Rights of Indonesian Citizens
Furthermore, once you become a WNI, you have rights and obligations. What are the rights as a WNI?
The first right is to obtain a job and live decently. The state guarantees this in Article 27 paragraph 2 of the 1945 Constitution. This right is very important and crucial. People who do not obtain a job and a decent life may choose to change their citizenship. This often happens in the world, as some people choose to change their citizenship for financial reasons.
The second right is the right to live and sustain life. This right is stated in Article 28A. This includes the right to form a family and have descendants. This is guaranteed by the state. Therefore, for foreign nationals who have a family and descendants with WNI, they should register to become WNI and relinquish their previous citizenship status. This is certainly to facilitate administrative matters in the future when they have children.
Another right is that every WNI has the right to fulfill basic life needs, such as education, knowledge, technology, arts, and culture. Basic human needs also include religion. Indonesia is the most tolerant of the various religions that exist. In Indonesia itself, there are at least 6 religions that have been recognized and become official religions.
Another right is the right to advance oneself in collectively fighting for their rights to build society, nation, and state. This is stated in Article 28C paragraph 2.
Other rights of WNI include the right to recognition, guarantees, protection, and fair legal certainty as well as equal treatment before the law. This is stated in Article 28D paragraph 1.
In addition to the rights mentioned above, there are many other rights regulated by law, such as the right not to be enslaved, the right to express opinions, the right to be free in thought and conscience, and so on.
Obligations of Indonesian Citizens
In addition to rights, you also have obligations when becoming a WNI. One of the obligations is that you must obey the law and government according to Article 27 paragraph 1 of the 1945 Constitution. This obligation may seem simple, but it encompasses and binds various aspects of life. Every aspect of life has rules. For example, when you are on the road, you must obey traffic signs. When you are going to get married, you must take care of the requirements at the religious office. And many others.
However, it should be emphasized that the rules made by the Indonesian government are certainly for the common good. Complying with existing regulations will not feel burdensome if you consider it a normal obligation to obey.
Another obligation as a WNI is that you must participate in national defense efforts as stated in Article 27 paragraph 3 of the 1945 Constitution and must participate in efforts to defend and secure the country as stated in Article 30 paragraph 1 of the 1945 Constitution. This obligation is a form of your loyalty to the stability of the Republic of Indonesia. In certain conditions, military service may occur. This means you must be ready to fight even if you are not a military person. This obligation must be realized by every WNI, even though we all hope that war does not occur.
In addition, as a WNI, you must respect the human rights of others and comply with the limitations set by law. This is stated in Article 28J paragraph 2 and Article 30 paragraph 1 of the 1945 Constitution. Although everyone has the right to freedom of expression, there are still limits. You must not disturb the rights of others. Causing disturbances to the rights of others can also result in direct or indirect sanctions. Directly, it can be acted upon by the authorities, and indirectly, it can lead to ostracism by society.
In addition to the obligations mentioned above, you are still burdened with unwritten obligations that exist in society. For example, obligations such as paying village dues, attending meetings, participating in community service, and others.
Author: Iskael
