The Jakarta Population and Civil Registration Agency (Dukcapil) had recorded a total of 1,952 mixed marriages between Indonesian citizens (WNI) and foreign nationals (WNA) from 2020 to August 2025.
“From 2020 until August 2025, there are around 250 to 300 couples per year,” said Witri Yenny, Head of Civil Registration at the Jakarta Dukcapil Office on Monday (Sept 22, 2025), as quoted by Antara.
Witri explained that in 2020, 252 mixed marriages were reported, rising to 308 in 2021. The figure further increased to 386 in 2022 and remained at the same level in 2023. In 2024, the number slightly decreased to 377, while in the first eight months of 2025, 243 cases were already recorded.
Most cases involve marriages between Indonesian wives and foreign husbands, with American nationals topping the list. Since 2020, there have been 158 marriages between Indonesian women and men from the United States.
Legal Framework and Requirements
Mixed marriages in Indonesia are regulated under Articles 57–62 of Law No. 1 of 1974 on Marriage. For couples residing in Jakarta, registration must be carried out at the Jakarta Dukcapil Office through the Population Administration Service Unit (UPAK).
The required documents include:
- A marriage blessing certificate from a religious leader.
- A marriage permit from the foreign spouse’s embassy or representative office.
- Identity documents such as KTP and Family Card (KK) for Indonesians.
- Valid visa and residence documents for foreign spouses (temporary or permanent stay permit).
- Colored 4×6 photos of the couple (two copies).
- Divorce certificate (if previously married), or death certificate (if widowed).
- Passports and identification of two witnesses.
- Child birth certificate (if applicable).
- A notarized prenuptial agreement, if one exists.
For couples who marry abroad, the marriage must also be reported to Dukcapil Jakarta after being registered overseas.
Why Registration Matters
The Jakarta Provincial Government urges residents to register their marriages with the civil registry after religious ceremonies to ensure legal recognition and secure their children’s status.
Children born from mixed marriages are entitled to dual citizenship until the age of 18, in accordance with Law No. 12 of 2006 on Indonesian Citizenship. After reaching adulthood, the child must choose one nationality.
Simplifying the Process
Dukcapil Jakarta emphasizes that the registration process is designed to ensure legal protection for both spouses and their children. Couples who complete the civil process obtain official marriage certificates, which are crucial for securing family rights, inheritance, and immigration matters.
Mixed marriages are increasingly common in Indonesia’s major cities, particularly Jakarta, where international communities continue to grow. With clear procedures and requirements, authorities encourage couples to follow the proper legal channels.
As Witri highlighted, maintaining proper civil documentation is not just a formality but a safeguard.
“This ensures the marriage is recorded by the state and provides legal certainty for the family’s future.”
Source: Berita Satu, Antara
Photo Credit: Unsplash/Jeremy Wong Weddings
