A significant event took place in the Darmawangsa Hall in Bali — Italian Graziano Mura, who has lived in Indonesia for 18 years and operated a restaurant business here, was sitting the exam to become an Indonesian citizen. This is not just a bureaucratic procedure but a true test of one's depth of feeling for a country that has become a second home. He decided to change his citizenship since he has been living in Bali for a long time and has owned a restaurant in Jembrana for over 10 years.
On July 28, 2025, the regional branch of the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights assembled an impressive examination commission: representatives from immigration services, tax authorities, police, civil registry, and the ministry itself. Each department reviewed its own segment of the applicant's 18-year life in Indonesia.
The process was led by I Wayan Redana, who made it clear from the start: “This is not an administrative formality.” It is about ensuring genuine love for the country.
To become an Indonesian citizen, one must pass a kind of quest. The intellectual part requires deep knowledge of national legislation, understanding the philosophy of Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution, not just memorizing but comprehending the principles on which Indonesian society is built.
The personal test involves a detailed discussion of motivation. Why would an Italian with a European passport suddenly wish to become Indonesian? What fascinated him so much about this country?
The practical exam requires flawless command of the Indonesian language and the ability to sing the national anthem. Try singing "Indonesia Raya" in front of a strict commission — not everyone's nerves will hold.
The most meticulous part is verifying the 18-year history in Indonesia. The tax office scrutinized every detail, immigration checked all entries and exits, and the police issued a certificate of no criminal record. The slightest infraction could ruin the dream of citizenship.
Eighteen years of impeccable life is a serious indicator. The person not only lived in the country but integrated into its legal framework, paid taxes, and obeyed the laws.
The toughest part of the exam is the personal interview. The commission tries to peer into the soul: does this person truly love Indonesia, or does he just want a passport for convenience? Biography, motivation, future plans — everything comes under close scrutiny.
The story of this Italian symbolizes modern Indonesia, which becomes a magnet for people from all over the world. Some come for a few days, while others stay for a lifetime, ready to change their homeland.
The result of the hearing is not yet known, but the very fact that someone has been working toward this moment for 18 years says a lot. If a positive decision is made regarding him, he will lose his Italian citizenship, since dual citizenship is legally prohibited in Indonesia.
In total, 199 citizenship applications were submitted in 2024. Some of them are from children of mixed marriages who have chosen one of two citizenships.
Sources: kabarnusa.com, detik.com
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