DPR Says Dual Citizenship Could Strengthen Global Competitiveness
Deputy Chair of House of Representatives Commission XIII, Dewi Asmara, has assessed that the proposal to introduce limited dual citizenship represents a strategic breakthrough for strengthening national competitiveness. The move is seen as an effort to optimise the significant contribution of the Indonesian diaspora spread across the world.
“We in the DPR view this proposal as a step forward. President Prabowo has set the right direction by positioning the diaspora as strategic partners in development. This is not merely about citizenship status, but about how Indonesia wins global competition,” Dewi said in an official statement in Jakarta on Tuesday (18/8/2026).
Dewi explained that there are currently around 8 to 10 million Indonesian diaspora members in various countries. Many of them hold key positions in crucial sectors such as technology, research, health, education and international-scale business.
Until now, these diaspora members have often faced a dilemma because they must lose their Indonesian citizenship status when acquiring foreign citizenship. According to Dewi, a limited dual citizenship policy could provide a solution to this problem while opening the door to knowledge transfer, investment and stronger public diplomacy.
“Many countries have already taken advantage of this potential, such as India with its Overseas Citizenship of India scheme and the Philippines with its dual citizenship policy for natural-born citizens. Indonesia must of course design a model that best suits the nation’s character and our national interests,” she added.
As a short-term measure, the legislator proposed that the government optimise non-citizenship instruments. This includes strengthening the diaspora card, accelerating visa services and providing investment incentives for diaspora members.
This transitional step is considered capable of delivering quick benefits while the government and the DPR prepare a more comprehensive revision of Law Number 12 of 2006 on Citizenship.
“The DPR is ready to collaborate with the government, the diaspora and stakeholders to design the best policy. If seriously managed, this will become a positive legacy of President Prabowo’s administration,” Dewi stressed.
Previously, in delivering the government’s statement on the 2027 State Budget Draft, President Prabowo Subianto explicitly proposed amending the law to open the possibility of limited dual citizenship for certain talents.
The President highlighted the large number of scientists, doctors, engineers, artificial intelligence experts and professional athletes of Indonesian origin pursuing careers abroad. Prabowo emphasised that the state must not force its best talent to choose between opportunities to work on the global stage and emotional ties to their homeland.