Dasco explains purpose of limited dual citizenship proposal

Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) Sufmi Dasco Ahmad has said that the government’s proposal on limited dual citizenship is intended to facilitate potential diaspora members so they can contribute to Indonesia without having to relinquish the citizenship they already hold.

“Listening to the government, there are actually many diaspora members who have the potential to contribute their energy and thoughts to Indonesia, but perhaps because they have lived abroad for a long time, the government also wants to facilitate citizenship here without them having to give up their original citizenship,” Dasco said at the parliament complex in Jakarta on Friday.

Dasco stressed that the dual citizenship proposal is still a discourse that will be designed in a limited and selective manner, as conveyed by President Prabowo Subianto.

However, Dasco has not yet conveyed the DPR’s institutional stance regarding the proposed changes to the citizenship rules.

Previously, President Prabowo Subianto, in delivering the government’s statement on the 2027 State Budget Draft (RAPBN), proposed amending the law to open up the possibility of limited dual citizenship for certain talents needed by Indonesia.

“Today, I convey to the council the Indonesian government’s suggestion, our suggestion, that we allow dual citizenship for certain talents needed by the Indonesian nation,” Prabowo said.

The President said Indonesia has a diaspora whose members work as scientists, doctors, engineers, artificial intelligence experts, researchers, entrepreneurs, artists, and even professional athletes.

According to Prabowo, some of these diaspora members have chosen other citizenships due to career needs, family, or their activities abroad.

“We must not force Indonesia’s best talents to choose between opportunities to work in the world and their ties to the homeland,” he said.

Prabowo said the government will submit a legal amendment to the DPR to open up limited dual citizenship for individuals with exceptional talents deemed capable of contributing to the national interest.

According to the President, the policy will be designed selectively and measurably, with integrity tests, clear obligations, and protection of state security and interests.