Government proposes limited dual citizenship for strategic talent
Jakarta (ANTARA) — The government has proposed a concept of limited dual citizenship in the revision of the Citizenship Law as an effort to accommodate the state’s need for Indonesian diaspora talent possessing strategic expertise.
Minister of Law Supratman Andi Agtas said the proposal has been submitted to the President, who will subsequently issue a Presidential Letter (Surpres) as the basis for joint deliberation with the House of Representatives (DPR).
“We have sent the bill to the President. The President will then issue a Presidential Letter to be sent to the DPR,” Supratman said in Jakarta on Thursday.
According to him, the dual citizenship concept will not apply generally, but will be limited to individuals whose expertise is needed by the state.
“If the DPR agrees, because the government will propose it under the name Limited Dual Citizenship,” he said.
He explained that its implementation is intended for experts in particular fields, such as nuclear science, chemistry and medicine, as well as athletes needed for the national interest.
“If the state needs them — perhaps they are a nuclear expert, or part of our national team in any sport, or a chemist greatly needed by this republic,” he said.
Supratman emphasised that granting such status can only be proposed by a ministry or government institution in accordance with the state’s needs.
“It cannot be just anyone, because the proposal must come from a ministry or institution. It is the state that must propose it,” he said.
He added that the proposal also takes into account public aspirations so that Indonesia can retain diaspora talent without losing their contribution to the national interest.
“Many of our diaspora members who have expertise in nuclear science, chemistry and medicine are reluctant to give up their citizenship. Now we are trying to accommodate that,” he said.
Nevertheless, Supratman said the realisation of the proposal still depends on deliberation and approval by the DPR.