10 foreign nationals from various countries volunteered to become Indonesian citizens at the Ministry of Law and Human Rights of Bali Province in 2021. Two of them have been officially accepted as Indonesian citizens.
“There were 10 foreigners who submitted applications. But it is still an unfinished process, just two persons completed it,” said Head of the Bali Ministry of Law and Human Rights Jamaruli Manihuruk on Wednesday (29/12).
Two foreigners who have just officially become citizens are Michael Romeo Lorenti Jr from America and Indra Jonas Rapp from Germany. They were sworn in on March 22, 2021.
The rest are still waiting to become Indonesian citizens, namely Troy Sinclair from England, Marlon Gerber from Switzerland, Michael Szarata from Germany, Ni Wayan Samantha Isabhela Keatinge from Australia, Oyagi Shufa from Japan, Afandy Dharma Fairbrother from England, and Israel Rovirosa Figueroa from Mexico. “That is still a process and we are still submitting it to the center to the Ministry of Law and Human Rights,” added Jamaruli Manihuruk.
He also explained that the requirements for foreigners to become Indonesian citizens include living in Indonesia for 5 consecutive years or 10 non-consecutive years. The foreigner should speak Indonesian, recognize the state basis of Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution, not to have the records of a criminal sentence or imprisonment.
“When this is fulfilled,he may become an Indonesian citizen, but there are still other requirements. For example, he must be able to speak Indonesian, and have good intentions towards Indonesia, for example, not to the detriment of the Indonesian government,” explained Jamaruli Manihuruk.
One foreigner from Mexico, namely Israel Rovirosa Figueroa, who volunteered to become an Indonesian citizen, told that he had the desire to revive the Balinese economy. He is an entrepreneur from Mexico and can create jobs.
“So, don’t let them become an Indonesian citizen to become unemployed and become a burden to our government. We should see their obedience to the law. We should also see taxpayers obeying their taxes so far,” said Jamaruli Manihuruk.
“We also checked for information at the police. Whether he obeys the laws and regulations, there are no violations. He has never been imprisoned here. Now that’s what we see. So, it must provide benefits to the government and also Indonesia,” said Jamaruli.
