Welcoming a newborn into the world is a momentous occasion, filled with joy and excitement. For parents of mixed marriages, also known as “Perca” or “Perkawinan campur,” residing in Indonesia, ensuring that their baby’s legal documentation is in order is an essential step in their journey. It’s important to note that a mixed marriage baby in Indonesia can hold dual nationality until they reach 18 years old. At that point, they have the opportunity to choose which nationality they want to have. Here’s a simple guide to help you navigate the process smoothly
Get the Surat Keterangan Lahir (Birth Notification Letter) from the Hospital
The journey begins at the hospital where your baby is born. Make sure to obtain the Surat Keterangan Lahir (Birth Notification Letter) from the hospital staff. This document will be needed for the subsequent steps in the registration process. Additionally, you’ll need to bring along the passports and KTP (Indonesian ID cards) of both parents, the KITAS (Temporary Stay Permit) from the foreign parent, and in some cases, the birth certificates of both parents. These documents are essential for ensuring a smooth registration process for your newborn.
Visit the Civil Registry (Dukcapil)
Dukcapil stands for Dukungan Administrasi dan Catatan Sipil, a government office you can find in every city/town/regency. With the Surat Keterangan Lahir in hand, head to the nearest Dukcapil office. Here, you’ll need to submit the document along with copies of both parents’ IDs and marriage certificate (the original documents need to be shown to the officer), and then complete the necessary paperwork to register your baby’s birth.
Additionally, it’s important to note that according to Undang-Undang No. 24 Tahun 2013 tentang Perubahan atas Undang-Undang No. 23 Tahun 2006, birth registration, which previously relied on events, is now based on domicile. Therefore, registration is carried out at the implementing agency according to the domicile of the informant.
Obtain the Birth Certificate
After completing the registration process at the Dukcapil, you will be issued a birth certificate for your baby. This document officially recognizes your baby’s birth and is crucial for all future legal transactions.
Normally, the process takes 1 working day.
Apply for the Baby’s Passport
Visit the embassy or consulate of the foreign parent’s country to apply for your baby’s passport. Prepare the required documents, including the baby’s birth certificate, the parents’ identification documents, and any additional paperwork specified by the embassy.
Apply for Affidavit and Faskim from the Immigration Office for the mixed marriage baby
Once you have obtained the passport, it’s time to visit the immigration office. Here, you’ll need to apply for an Affidavit (an official statement confirming the baby’s citizenship) and a Faskim (Fasilitas Keimigrasian, a permit for foreign citizens residing in Indonesia). Submit the necessary documents and complete the application process as instructed by the immigration authorities.
By following these straightforward steps, you can ensure that your newborn’s legal documentation is properly taken care of. Remember to stay organized, keep all relevant documents handy, and seek assistance from the appropriate authorities if needed. With everything in order, you can focus on cherishing those precious moments with your bundle of joy. Congratulations on the newest addition to your family!