Government Proposes Limited Dual Citizenship for Strategic Diaspora Talent

The government has officially proposed a concept of limited dual citizenship in a revision of the Citizenship Law. This strategic move aims to accommodate the country’s need for talented members of the Indonesian diaspora who possess specialist skills in various crucial fields. Minister of Law Supratman Andi Agtas stated that the draft proposal has been submitted to the President. The next stage is the issuance of a Presidential Letter (Surpres) which will serve as the basis for deliberation with the House of Representatives (DPR RI). “The bill has been sent to the President. The President will then issue a Surpres and send it to the DPR,” Supratman said in Jakarta on Thursday. Supratman stressed that this dual citizenship concept would not apply generally to the entire diaspora. The status will be granted selectively and on a limited basis only to individuals whose expertise is urgently required by the state. Priority sectors include experts in nuclear science, chemistry, medicine, and professional athletes who can strengthen national interests on the international stage. “If the state needs them, perhaps a nuclear expert, or to join our national team in any sport, or a chemist that the republic really needs,” he explained. The limited dual citizenship status cannot be applied for independently by individuals. It must be proposed officially by a relevant ministry or government institution based on national needs. The policy also considers public aspirations and the phenomenon of many highly skilled diaspora members who are reluctant to relinquish their foreign citizenship. The government hopes this scheme will allow Indonesia to retain their contributions without forcing them to give up their original citizenship status. The realisation of this ‘Limited Dual Citizenship’ proposal depends entirely on the outcome of discussions and approval by the DPR during the upcoming legislative process.