Indonesia Committed to Resolving Undocumented Citizenship Issues: Minister

Jakarta: Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections Yusril Ihza Mahendra has reaffirmed the Indonesian government’s commitment to resolving the issue of undocumented persons of Indonesian-Philippines descent, including Indonesians residing in the Philippines.

During a meeting with Philippine Ambassador to Indonesia Christopher Montero in Jakarta on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, Yusril said the matter is fundamentally humanitarian in nature and requires close bilateral cooperation.

“We are committed to resolving this issue through administrative approaches and humanitarian reconciliation, particularly in border areas,” Yusril said, as quoted by Antara on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.

He emphasized that the efforts aim to ensure the fulfillment of individuals’ basic rights with dignity. Yusril also noted that he recently met with the Philippine Consulate General in Manado, North Sulawesi, to discuss a bilateral agreement addressing the status of undocumented residents.

The agreement allows Indonesians in the Philippines and Filipinos in Indonesia to formally choose their citizenship.

According to the minister, individuals—particularly those of Philippine descent living in North Sulawesi—who opted for Indonesian citizenship have already received official documents, including national ID cards and Family Cards (KK).

Meanwhile, those who chose Philippine citizenship have been issued passports by the Philippine government, while Indonesian immigration authorities have granted residency permits enabling them to legally remain in Indonesia.

“The same measures are being applied to Indonesians living in the Philippines,” Yusril added.

He further said both governments have agreed to resolve the issue by prioritizing human rights principles. Tuesday’s meeting reaffirmed Indonesia’s and the Philippines’ shared commitment to strengthening legal and humanitarian cooperation, based on mutual respect for sovereignty, human rights protection, and regional stability.

During the meeting, Ambassador Montero expressed hope for closer bilateral ties at the upcoming ASEAN Summit in the Philippines and highlighted the possibility of a meeting between Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.