Divorce Between Indonesians and Foreign Citizens: Legal Process, Property Rights, and Residency Rules

Oct 24, 2025 | News

Divorce

Mixed marriages between Indonesian citizens and foreign nationals are increasingly common in Indonesia’s globalised society. Yet when such unions dissolve, the legal process can be complex and requires careful handling. 

Divorce in mixed marriages involves not only ending marital ties but also addressing jurisdiction, asset division, child custody, and the foreign spouse’s residency status.

 

Legal Basis

 

Under Article 57 of Law No. 1 of 1974 on Marriage (Marriage Law), a mixed marriage is defined as one between two people subject to different national laws due to nationality. When a divorce is filed in Indonesia, the proceedings follow Indonesian law.

According to Article 39 paragraph 1 of the same law, divorce can only be granted by a court after mediation efforts fail. Cases involving Muslims fall under the Religious Court, while those involving non-Muslims are handled by the District Court.

Grounds for divorce are outlined in Government Regulation No. 9 of 1975, including adultery, abandonment, imprisonment, domestic violence, or irreconcilable conflict. In mixed marriages, cultural and legal differences often intensify marital disputes, making mutual understanding and clear legal arrangements essential.

 

Court Jurisdiction and Procedure

 

Divorce jurisdiction depends on the religion and domicile of the parties. If both spouses are abroad but married in Indonesia, proceedings can be filed with the Central Jakarta Court, which holds authority over overseas cases. Where the marriage occurred abroad, it must first be reported to the Indonesian Civil Registry or the Office of Religious Affairs (KUA).

The court process generally includes:

  1. Filing the petition with supporting documents.
  2. Mandatory mediation, in line with Supreme Court Regulation No. 1 of 2016, giving both parties a chance to reconcile.
  3. Hearing and judgment, if mediation fails.
  4. Official registration of the divorce at the Civil Registry or KUA once the judgment is final.

Also read: Interagency Collaboration: A Legal Pillar of Effective Public Service in Indonesia

 

Post-Divorce Legal Implications

 

  1. Division of property

Under Article 35 paragraph 1 of the Marriage Law, assets acquired during marriage are joint property. However, foreign nationals cannot hold land ownership rights under Article 21 paragraph 3 of Law No. 5 of 1960 on Agraria. Thus, any property jointly owned must be transferred or sold within one year after the divorce.

  1. Child custody and nationality

The court determines custody based on the child’s best interests. Typically, children under 12 remain with the mother unless proven unfit. Under Law No. 12 of 2006 on Citizenship, children from mixed marriages may hold dual nationality until the age of 18, at which point they must choose one citizenship.

  1. Residency status of the foreign spouse

A foreign spouse’s residence permit may be revoked upon divorce under Articles 140 and 141 of Ministerial Regulation No. 22 of 2023 on Visas and Residence Permits, unless the marriage lasted for ten years or more.

Divorce between Indonesians and foreign nationals involves an intricate intersection of family, civil, and immigration law. Beyond ending the marital relationship, the process may affect property ownership rights, child custody, and even the foreign spouse’s legal residence status in Indonesia. Each aspect requires careful navigation under Indonesian jurisdiction, particularly where cross-border legal implications arise. 

A thorough understanding of these overlapping frameworks, or professional guidance from lawyers experienced in international family lawm is essential to ensure that both parties’ rights and obligations are recognised, enforced, and protected throughout the entire process..***

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Regulations:

  • Undang-Undang Nomor 1 Tahun 1974 tentang Perkawinan (“UU Perkawinan”).
  • Undang-Undang Nomor 7 Tahun 1989 tentang Peradilan Agama (“UU Peradilan Agama”).
  • Peraturan Mahkamah Agung Nomor 1 Tahun 2016 tentang Prosedur Mediasi di Pengadilan (“Perma 1/2016”).
  • Undang-Undang Nomor 5 Tahun 1960 tentang Peraturan Dasar Pokok-Pokok Agraria (“UU PPA”).
  • Undang-Undang Nomor 12 Tahun 2006 tentang Kewarganegaraan Republik Indonesia (“UU 12/2006”).
  • Peraturan Menteri Hukum dan Hak Asasi Manusia Nomor 22 Tahun 2023 tentang Visa dan Izin Tinggal (“Permenkumham 22/2023”).

References:

  • Naratama, T., Dewi, A. T., Hukum, F., Dharmawangsa, U., Utara, S., Campuran, P., & Perdata, H. (2023). Perceraian Pada Perkawinan Campuran Di Indonesia Dalam Perspektif Hukum Perdata Internasional. Warta Dharmawangsa, 17, 1283–1294. (Diakses pada 13 Oktober 2025 pukul 13.02 WIB).
  • Alvandi, A., Putri, N. A., Sadiah, Y. Z., Yohanes, & Dienullah, M. D. (2024). Akibat Hukum Perceraian dalam Perkawinan Campuran Antar Warga Negara. Indonesian Journal of Law and Justice, 1(4), 11. (Diakses pada 13 Oktober 2025 pukul 13.12 WIB).