Special Rules on Passports for Dual-Citizenship Children in Indonesia
Families in Lombok and across Indonesia often face unique challenges when dealing with children who hold dual nationality. While Indonesia recognizes limited dual citizenship for children born to mixed-nationality parents, there are special passport rules that parents need to understand.
Limited Validity of Indonesian Passports for Dual Citizens
Unlike ordinary Indonesian citizens who can obtain a 5 or 10-year passport, children with dual nationality will only be granted an Indonesian passport with a validity that matches their legal status.
Under Law No. 12 of 2006 on Citizenship, a child with dual nationality must choose one citizenship at the age of 18, or earlier if they get married.
The child has a three-year grace period (from 18 until 21 years old) to formally declare their choice of nationality.
👉 Example: If your child applies for an Indonesian passport at age 18 and has not yet declared their citizenship, immigration will only issue a passport valid until age 21. A full 10-year passport will not be possible.
Passport Application Requirements
When applying for an Indonesian passport for a dual-citizen child in Lombok or elsewhere, parents must ensure the child is already registered as a dual citizenship holder (Anak Berkewarganegaraan Ganda/ABG) before turning 18.
Typical documents required include:
Parent’s Indonesian ID card (e-KTP)
Family card (Kartu Keluarga)
Child’s birth certificate
Parents’ marriage certificate or marriage book
For the foreign parent: a valid stay permit (KITAS/KITAP) and a copy of their foreign passport
At local immigration offices such as Mataram Immigration or Praya Immigration (Lombok International Airport), these requirements are strictly checked. Missing documents can delay the process.
Why the Declaration of Citizenship is Important
Failing to declare your child’s choice of nationality before the deadline can create complications, such as:
Difficulty renewing or extending passports
Issues with stay permits or visas linked to the child’s foreign nationality
Possible loss of legal residency rights in Indonesia
To avoid problems, parents in Lombok are strongly advised to plan ahead and track the child’s age milestones carefully. Immigration officers in NTB emphasize that families should not wait until the last minute.
LombokVisas Assistance
At LombokVisas, we regularly help families in mixed-nationality situations handle:
Passport applications for dual-citizen children
KITAS/KITAP and stay permit arrangements for foreign parents
Guidance on the citizenship declaration process before the deadline
If you are based in Lombok or the Gili Islands and need advice, our team can guide you step by step to avoid unexpected issues with your child’s passport or residency status.
✨ Key Takeaway: Dual-citizen children in Indonesia have special passport restrictions. Their Indonesian passport will only be valid up to the age limit where they must declare their nationality. Parents must prepare documents early and be proactive to ensure a smooth process.