Three foreign nationals currently residing in Jepara are undergoing formal steps in the citizenship process in Jepara. These applicants, hailing from France, Denmark, and Belgium, have submitted their requests to become Indonesian citizens through naturalization. The Ministry of Law and Human Rights’ Regional Office in Central Java is actively verifying their applications through structured interviews and field visits.
Ministry Leads Indonesian Citizenship Verification in Jepara
The Central Java Regional Office led a thorough verification process involving multiple stakeholders. On April 30, 2025, officials conducted evaluations for Stephane Cedric Auger from France and Kent Verner Rasmussen from Denmark. The session, held in the Arjuna meeting room, was chaired by Heni Susila Wardoyo, Head of the Regional Office.
Representatives from the Immigration Office, Ministry of Religious Affairs, Police Department, Directorate General of Taxes, Civil Registry Office, and Provincial Health Office also participated. “Thank you to the team for being present. Please proceed with the verification based on your duties and authority,” said Heni as he monitored the process.
Interviews and Field Checks During the Indonesian Citizenship Process
Officials conducted in-depth interviews with each applicant to assess their background, legal compliance, and contributions to Indonesian society. Questions also tested the applicants’ understanding of Pancasila. “I believe your understanding of Indonesia is quite good. We will hold a meeting to determine whether you pass the verification process,” Heni told them.
Earlier, on April 19, 2025, Belgian citizen Alain Claire Maurice Van Den Bossche underwent a separate verification process. This included an interview and field check at his residence and business site. The session involved not only regional office officials but also three Special Staff members from the Ministry of Law and Human Rights.
Read More: How to Obtain Living Permit for Your Spouse in Indonesia?
Foreign Applicants Share Motivations and Contributions
Alain, who has lived in Indonesia for 28 years, fluently spoke Bahasa Indonesia during the interview. He explained his desire to become a citizen stems from genuine affection for Indonesia. “I am not like other foreigners. I don’t want more (money). This is enough for me,” he stated, as cited by jateng.kemenkum.go.id.
As Director of PT. Dari Hutan Home Interieur, Alain manages 25 employees and pays above the minimum wage. “We never underpay. Always above minimum wage. We’re serious,” he emphasized. “There are 25 employees here. We’re like family. They’ve worked here for a long time.”
He also highlighted his involvement in social activities and support for the local community. Officials encouraged Alain to enrich his portfolio with more details on his business and social contributions to strengthen his application.
Legal Basis for the Citizenship Process
The citizenship process in Jepara follows Article 8 of Law No. 12 of 2006 on Indonesian Citizenship and Government Regulation No. 2 of 2007. These laws outline the requirements and procedures for naturalization.
Applicants must meet several legal conditions, including residency, lawful behavior, language proficiency, and allegiance to Indonesia. Naturalization has become more common in Indonesia, particularly among foreign professionals and athletes seeking to represent the country.
Read More: How to Get a Permanent Residency in Indonesia
Final Decision Awaits Post-Verification Review
After completing the verification process, ministry officials will meet to decide on the applicants’ status. This internal review ensures transparency and adherence to legal protocols. As more long-term residents seek Indonesian citizenship, Jepara continues to serve as a key location for these formal transitions.
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Source: rri.co.id, jateng.antaranews.com, jateng.kemenkum.go.id
Images: Mark Rubens / Getty Images
