Adoption of a child in Indonesia: here are the methods and requirements

For many people, another way to become a parent is by adopting or adopting a child. Adoption of children is not a new thing in Indonesia, because this practice has been done for a long time. However, not many people know what the legal adoption procedure is. Most of them only take care until a notary and this is an unofficial procedure. One-on-one is that adopted children do not get their rights from adoptive parents, so that there are many cases of abuse against adopted children.

In Indonesia, the process of adopting children has been regulated by the government, there are requirements as well as proper procedures to ensure that children's rights are protected. Not just anyone is allowed to adopt a child. The following will explain the procedure further.

What are the conditions for adopting a child?

The procedure for adoption of children in Indonesia is regulated in the Decree of the Minister of Social Affairs No. 41 / HUK / Kep / VII / 1984, concerning Guidelines for the Implementation of Licensing for Adoption of Children. Before adopting a child, you must meet the following requirements.

First, You and your partner must be married with a minimum age of 25 years and a maximum of 45 years. Second, at least you and your spouse have been married for 5 years when applying for adoption. You and your partner must also submit a written document in the form of information on whether it is possible for you to have a biological child from a specialist, do not have children, have one biological child, or only have one adopted child but do not have a biological child.

Third, You and your partner must have an established financial and social condition. If you or your partner is a foreign national, then you need to submit a certificate from your home country that you have an established financial and social condition. Fourth, if you are not an Indonesian citizen, you must also obtain written approval from the government of the applicant's home country that you are allowed to adopt a child.

Fifth, attach a certificate of good behavior from the police and a doctor's certificate stating that you and your partner are physically and mentally healthy. Sixth, for a spouse who is not an Indonesian citizen, you have lived in Indonesia for at least three years as evidenced by a certificate from the authorized official.

Seventh, You and your partner have been caring for and caring for the child to be adopted for at least six months for toddlers, and one year for children aged 3-5 years. EighthYou must also attach a written statement stating that the adoption of the child is solely for the benefit and welfare of the child concerned.

Ninth, adopting a child does not only apply to married couples. Single women or men are also allowed to adopt children as long as they have strong motivation to raise the child.

What are the procedures for adopting a child that must be done?

After fulfilling all the requirements described above, you must undergo the official procedure for adopting a child as follows:

First, submit an application letter to the court in the area where the prospective adopted child lives by attaching all requirements. There are two foundations that have been appointed by the government to serve the adoption process, namely the Sayap Ibu Foundation in Jakarta and the Matahari Terbit Foundation located in Surabaya.

After that, the procedure second, that is, officers from the social service will make house visits and check the economic and social conditions of the family. The examination includes economic conditions, place of residence, acceptance from prospective adoptive siblings (if you already have children), social relationships, mental conditions, and so on. Financial checks are carried out to determine permanent employment and family income. For foreigners, there must be approval / permission to adopt an Indonesian baby from the authorized agency of the country of origin.

ThirdIf it is deemed appropriate, the prospective parents and adopted children will be given time to get to know each other and interact. Therefore, the court will give permission to families to bring their children to stay together for 6-12 months. The social agency will issue a Temporary Care Permit and provide supervision and guidance during the care period.

Next, the procedure fourth, that is, the couple will undergo trial by presenting a minimum of two witnesses. Fifth is the decision making whether the application is approved or rejected. If approved, a legal judgment will be issued from the court and if rejected, the child will be returned to the Child Care Institution. If the court has determined the result and the process of adoption has been completed then the next procedure, namely the procedure sixth means that adoptive parents need to report and submit a copy of the court order to the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Regency or City Population and Civil Registration Service.

For candidates for adopted children who come from orphanages, the foundation must have a written permit from the Minister of Social Affairs stating that the foundation has been permitted in the field of adoption activities.

How long will this adoption process take?

The process of determining the status of an adopted / adopted child in court until it is completed takes approximately three to four months. The stipulation is accompanied by a substitute birth certificate which states the status of the child as the adopted child of the adopting parent. Adoption cannot be canceled by anyone.

The entire process of formal adoption from start to finish can take up to two years. This is a long period of time, but it should be done well so that there are no problems in the future. Both biological and adopted children are gifts that must be properly guarded and are entitled to protection.