Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Between 2019 and 2022, 3,912 Indonesian citizens chose to become Singaporean citizens, according to the Indonesian Ministry of Law and Human Rights. The primary reason for this shift appears to be the pursuit of a better quality of life, as many believe job opportunities in Indonesia are declining.
Bahlil Lahadalia, Indonesia’s Investment Minister and Head of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM), countered these claims, asserting that the reasons for this migration do not align with current data.
He noted that from January to June 2023, Indonesia attracted investments totaling approximately IDR 678.7 trillion (about USD 46 billion), which created 849,181 jobs. This number has steadily increased since the third quarter of 2021, reflecting a growing job market.
“There is no issue related to job availability,” Bahlil stated during a press conference on July 21, 2023.
He suggested that if individuals seek employment abroad, they may eventually realize their need to return to Indonesia. Bahlil also expressed concern about the sense of nationalism among those who leave, questioning their commitment to their homeland.
“If everyone leaves, who will take care of this nation? But that’s their choice, and we respect that,” he added.
To become a citizen of Singapore, individuals must navigate several processes, including submitting an application and paying associated fees. For adults who have achieved Permanent Resident (PR) status, the application fee is S$100 (approximately USD 74), which is non-refundable even if the application is rejected. Upon approval, an additional fee of S$70 is required for the citizenship certificate.
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In contrast, the costs for naturalization as an Indonesian citizen are significantly higher, ranging from IDR 50 million (USD 3,300) for foreign applicants to IDR 5 million (USD 330) for children yet to acquire citizenship.
(Ray)
