Entering the Harmonization Stage, Government Finalizes the Draft Law on Citizenship

The Government, through the Ministry of Law (Kemenkum), continues to formulate the Draft Law on Citizenship of the Republic of Indonesia (“Citizenship RUU”). This RUU is intended to replace Law No. 12 of 2006 on Citizenship of the Republic of Indonesia (“Law 12/2006”), which is considered no longer fully capable of addressing the evolving legal needs of the society.

“The deliberation process of this Citizenship RUU is being conducted systematically and in alignment with the national legal framework. Accordingly, the resulting substance is expected to respond to global dynamics while at the same time reaffirming the role of the state in the governance of citizenship,” explained Dulyono, Director of Constitutional Affairs at the Directorate General of General Legal Administration (Ditjen AHU), to Hukumonline

The substance of the Citizenship RUU covers, among others, the regulation of procedures for acquiring and losing citizenship, naturalization, recognition of the diaspora, oversight mechanisms, law enforcement, as well as criminal provisions and administrative measures in the field of citizenship. The Government also emphasizes the strengthening of regulations concerning Children with Dual Citizenship (Anak Berkewarganegaraan Ganda – “ABG”) through the provision of facilities by the state in accordance with prevailing laws and regulations, the technical implementation of which will be further regulated in implementing regulations.

“It has entered the harmonization stage, with a targeted completion within this year,” he added.