Law Minister hopes Citizenship Bill will be completed this year

The government is preparing and finalising the bill. Of course, we will listen to all inputs, including from the Ministry of Youth and Sports, regarding citizenship regulations. Jakarta (ANTARA) - Law Minister Supratman Andi Agtas hopes that the Draft Law (RUU) on Indonesian Citizenship can be completed this year to prevent the re-emergence of controversies related to citizenship status. This hope was expressed in response to a journalist’s question regarding the passport controversy involving several naturalised Indonesian players who play in the Dutch league. “The government is preparing and finalising the RUU. Of course, we will listen to all inputs, including from the Ministry of Youth and Sports, regarding citizenship regulations,” Supratman said during a press conference in Jakarta on Friday. He explained that the bill is currently being discussed by the government together with the House of Representatives (DPR) RI. In addition to preparing the Citizenship Bill, Supratman believes that strengthening sports diplomacy is also important to prevent similar cases from recurring. “Inter-state relations are important, but the Citizenship Bill is no less important. The main thing is how the Red and White can fly in various events,” he stated. In a working meeting with the DPR, he explained that Indonesia adheres to a single citizenship system, but provides limited dual citizenship for children of mixed marriages and children born in countries with the ius soli principle. “Currently, children with dual citizenship must choose their citizenship between the ages of 18 and 21,” he said. In addition, the government is also studying a scheme for limited dual citizenship for foreign citizens who have extraordinary contributions or strategic value for national interests, such as in the fields of science, economy, culture, and sports.